Bethlehem

Hills and sheep lie quiet in the depths of dark,
Shepherd watched the woolly wealth of nations.
Their guardians sit and wonder at the night
So filled with stars and silence.   In the distance light
Flickers, in this town of bread and census taking.

A song of songs now fills their hearts, their minds, their ears
And lights flash vivid through their darkness and their fears.

Glorias are sung; angelic peace is prophesied -
O wondrous heavenly night!   God's surely not denied!

Town-wards the shepherds travel, leaving flocks alone
(Though vulnerable lambs are cared for and still travel
In their securing arms), towards salvation's birth.
A maiden and a carpenter are here where cattle sleep.
A tiny babe seeks suckle from a virgin breast
And, wondering at this marvel, shepherds kneel and gaze
On Him whom Heaven proclaimed their Saviour and their peace.

A stable?   Surely God would choose a palace for His Son?
And yet this stable's Heaven itself when all is done.