2019

With rocks and ruts the road is scarred,
Though dimly seen through clouds of dust
Stirred by the beat of hooves and feet,
Whipped by a breeze with every gust.

While Joseph treks from Nazareth,
To Bethlehem, his native home,
To pay a tax Caesar exacts
From everyone subject to Rome,

Mary, though she’s great with child,
Has not stayed back but comes along.
Although her state is delicate,
Her heart is full of prayer and song.

Their faithful donkey murmurs not
To carry forth a generous load.
With many a sack upon his back,
He finds firm footing on the road.

A flock of sheep gaze heavenward,
Where angels sing as with one voice.
The shepherd throng, awed by the song,
Behold the child, and they rejoice.

Wise men have studied long to know
The scriptural promises divine.
They don’t deny that in the sky
They see the long-awaited sign.

The longed-for King has come to earth
As witnessed by angelic choirs.
All humankind can seek and find
The promised peace the heart desires.