A Poem, just in time for Christmas.

Nativity

A babe in a manger, mother resting and tired,

animals looked on while the husband admired.

A few startled shepherds were surprised in the night,

angels above them sang beneath new star light.

Privileged they were when they headed the call

to run to the stable, at Christ's feet they did fall.

Miles and miles far in the east,

kings gathered and studied which way they should seek.

They wanted so badly to find the child fair,

but it took years of searching to finally get there.

In the neighboring inns more lay quite in bed,

not knowing who was born or the path he would tread.

Who would you be, if called to be there,

maybe the mother weary under her load to bear.

Too young and inadequate to raise God's begotten son,

but you have been chosen, His will, not your's, be done.

Then humble and trusting you prayerfully seek

for the strength to accomplish what's been placed at your feet.

Or are you like Joseph, asked to take a role that's not your own,

always standing by the ones you love, helping them down life's road.

Or has chance blessed you, like the shepherds that night,

you recognize God's messengers, leave all and hurry to the sight.

Perhaps you feel so far away from where you want to be.

The wise men searched the hardest, but the new born they didn't see.

It took years before the kings' righteous desire was fulfilled,

but persistence was rewarded, in front of God's Son they kneeled.

Or are you asleep, like those in their beds,

Do you know it was for you that the Christ child lived and bled?

So many blessings are yours to be found,

look and you will find God's love all around.

Like those in the Nativity, Christmas is different for all,

some get to see angels, some stay in lowly stalls.

Some must learn patience as they face years on the road,

others have loads they can't bear on their own.

No matter who or where you are on this year's Christmas Eve,

Let us all remember this: Christ came, died, and lives for you and me.

As I wrote this I realized I've felt a little like all the people in the nativity story. But the important thing is to remember and be grateful for Christ, and God's love. Happy holidays, and Merry Christmas to you all :)