The stories we tell

that bring us great joy

Are legends about

the birth of a boy;

The myst’ries surrounding

that birth long ago

Still charm and excite us;

the details we know.

But hidden within

are seeds of unrest;

For shepherds are those

whom others detest;

They’re unclean, they’re outcasts,

don’t keep Sabbath days;

Their sheep steal their fodder

wherever they graze.

Yet shepherds are those,

those chosen to hear

Glad tidings of joy

that bring such good cheer;

Not emperors nor monarchs,

not noble nor priest

Are given the news

that is shared with the least.

The story unfolds

and Jesus becomes

A rabbi of note

who never succumbs

To power abused

or to systems corrupt;

The use of oppression

he tries to disrupt.

So why at his birth

are last made the first?

His major concern

were those treated worst;

He ate with, befriended

the wretched and poor;

The most disadvantaged -

he loved them the more.

So back at his birth

the shepherds are there;

These outcasts are first

to praise and declare

That hope and compassion

will always be found

With Jesus; we too sing

his love - so profound.

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George Stuart. Used by permission