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A Christmas reflection by a member of the Charis Dumfries Staff Team
It came upon a midnight clear
Sheep were bleating and chewing, and wandering
Towards the voice of the shepherd.
Their fright was great when light broke out on hillside dark that night,
“Peace on earth, good news for all men” the angel said,
Today in David’s city is born the Saviour, who is Christ the Lord”.
A host of angels praised God,
Confirming the news in heavenly awe.
Then there was just awe & silent sheep, & shepherds…
But the sheep & shepherds could not stay silent for too long,
(Prophets already had for 400 years),
“Let’s go, let’s go!” the shepherds said.
Down to Bethlehem they ran to see the Saviour baby in a manager,
Swaddling cloths, blood, stable muck & smells,
Tearful smiling Mary, relieved bewildered Joseph.
Then the gaggle of exhausted breathless shepherds burst in
(A straggling flock of bewildered sheep followed their voices)
The shepherds saw the Christ child,
They beheld their Saviour,
Their mouths lay open in reverent awe…
And then as suddenly as they had arrived,
With unruly respect & enthusiasm they departed, declaring:
“People must know, people must know!”.
Meanwhile Mary marvelled,
Pondering all these things in her heart.
Shepherds shared with all who had ears to hear.
The sheep, they understood:
“The Head shepherd is with us now”.
Their seeing eyes welled with tears.
Their hearts cried out aloud:
“Did you see what I saw”?!
“People must know! People must know!”.
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