SHEPHERDS
When the shepherds went rejoicing off to Bethlehem,
Saw the baby Jesus lying there, come to save all men,
I wonder what they thought as they knelt in reverence there,
Seeing the Saviour of the world in that stable cold and bare.

I wonder when they left that holy place to tell the tale abroad,
How many really listened to them, took heed of their word,
Did they shout the joyous news out loud for everyone to hear,
Say, go to the stable by the inn for the dear Saviour is here?

I wonder if, thirty years later when He started His ministry,
Did they remember the babe where they knelt so reverently?
Were they true disciples knowing he was their dear King,
Or did they forget the sight of the child and deny everything?

I am sure they remembered, maybe some were healed by Him,
Felt of His great power, this once little babe of Bethlehem,
That babe when the angels sang, grown, preaching and healing,
I am sure they remembered the words those angels did sing.

But then comes cruel Gethsemane and Calvary full of pain,
The very purpose to suffer so man may God’s heaven gain,
Did they weep, not knowing it was part of God’s plan,
Then raise on the third day to set free from death every man?

Oh, to have been a shepherd to hear the angels loud proclaim
The babe in that manger and for the purpose that He came,
To kneel, as a baby, then a teacher and risen King of Kings,
What joy would have filled my heart and I would forever sing.

M Ann Margetson December 4, 2001