Long ago
in the city of David
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord
was born to you.
You found the sign the angel gave -
a babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes
lying in a manger;
and not only did you find the Christ
but you heard
an angel
and a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, saying
Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to men
on whom his favour rests.
You saw Him circumcised on the eighth day
and named, Yeshua (Jesus)
and a little later
you saw his parents present him at the Temple
to be consecrated to the Lord
and where you heard Simeon's prophecy,
Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.
You saw Him grow and become strong
You saw He was filled with wisdom
and that the grace of God was upon Him
and that He found favor with God and men -
You saw the disciples and multitudes
following Him
You heard and saw the miracles
wrought by Him
You saw the changed lives -
the broken healed
the blind see
the lame walk
the dead raised -
You saw the Christ.
Remember
this same Yeshua (Jesus)
who you saw give His life
as a ransom for the many
and who was taken from you into heaven
will come back
to bring salvation to you
and to those
who are eagerly waiting for Him.
He says,
Yes, I am coming soon.
[a condensed/paraphrases of Luke 2:8-14, 25-32; Matt 20:28; Acts 1:10; Heb 9:28, Rev 22:20; and the Gospels in general]
Madelaine is a wonderful friend and writer presently living in Victoria B.C.