By DEREK BECHER
Lowly shepherd, with his sheep, on rolling countryside;
With wooden staff, he cares for them — most humble, worthy guide.
A strip of leather wraps his feet to keep his sandals set;
A weathered robe flows round him in a moonlight silhouette.
Uneducated, simple, there’s a beard upon his face;
Humility has given him a heart that’s filled with grace.
He wants for nothing — pleased to guard his flock through day and night,
Not knowing he’s been chosen to receive a gift tonight.
He gathers near another, as their flock is resting, still;
They watch in silence in the night — on guard upon the hill.
A little fire, glowing, brings some comfort in the night;
When overhead, the darkened sky is pierced with holy light….
Their faces tell of terror as they stumble to their knees;
The blazing light of glory has them wishing they could flee.
But in their fear, an angel comes with news of greatest joy —
“Fear not, for near, in Bethlehem, is born a little boy!
“A Savior for the world — greatest gift from God on high —
Is given you in silence on this oh, most holy nigh’!”
A multitude of angels then proclaims the blessed birth,
With glories sung to God and hopes for peace upon the earth.
In faith, they go together, with the news of birth, His gift —
In search of such a wonder, to the holy star they drift.
The little town of Bethlehem is where they find the Child,
Asleep atop a manger, with a pure, angelic smile.
A mule and a donkey fill the corners of the cave;
A cow is breathing warmly on the One who came to save.
His mother and his father kneel upon the strawy floor;
Between them, so serenely, lies the One that they adore.
The simple shepherd enters, humbly kneeling ’fore the Lord,
“I give to you my heart — the only gift I can afford.”
A smile from the Babe, with favor for the gift received,
Gives jubilation to the man who heard and then believed.
Rising, then, he leaves to share the gift he’s found this night;
An overwhelming joy is spread through morning’s coming light.
The promise of salvation has appeared upon the earth,
Arriving Christmas morning with the holy child’s birth.
Lowly shepherd, chosen for a gift of consequence;
The angel’s proclamation, he embraced in confidence.
Believing, he was first to see God’s gift on Christmas morn’ —
Salvation in a stable where the baby Christ was born.
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