back to
list of poems

 

WAITING! and READY?

There were many people waiting
Throughout centuries untold
For the advent of their Savior
And His mission to unfold.

And yet when He descended
How many were prepared
To welcome their Redeemer?
How many showed they cared?

*   *   *   *   *

In the fields were humble shepherds
Who were watching o'er their sheep
As the twilight slowly deepened
Silent vigil they did keep.

Suddenly the Heavens opened
'Twas a glorious angel there.
To the wondering, frightened shepherds
These glad words he did declare:

"Born to you this day in Judah
Is our Savior, Christ the King.
In a manger ye shall find Him;
He is wrapped in swaddling."

Then the angel hosts descended
Glorious praises they did sing.
"Shout hosannah, alleluia!
Peace on earth to men He'll bring."

So these shepherds, common people,
Pure in heart, did see their God
For they hearkened to the angel
Unto Bethlehem they trod.

In the distant east the wise men
Saw a glowing star that night
And the understood its meaning
So they sought its shining light.

In the city of Jerusalem
They sought audience with the king.
"Where's the Babe foretold by scripture,
He whose star we're following?"

Herod counseled with his chief priests
And they said, in answering,
That in Bethlehem of Judah
Would be born this Jewish King.

So the wise men hastened onward
The young Child to behold
Bearing him their costly presents
Myrrh, frankincense, and gold.

Thus these diligent, generous wise men
Who so earnestly had sought.
By the gracious light of heaven
To their Savior they were brought.

*   *   *   *   *

Just how wise are we as shepherds?
Do we humbly seek His light?
Do we bring our best gifts forward?
Do we always choose the right?

Yes, and now as we are waiting
For the advent of our King
Can we say we're truly ready
For the peace on earth He'll bring?

by Robert and Rita Bartholomew
Christmas 1973

 

 

 

 

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.