Evening comes; sheep safely in the fold.
Shepherds settle, as in the days of old.
Heat of day turns to pleasant cool.
Dark of night displays a radiant pool
Stars that shine, and twinkle bright on high—
God’s handiwork, amid expanse of sky.
When suddenly, a brightness lights the night.
The shepherds quake and tremble, full of fright.
What is this light, where night appears as day?
Silently, they watch with great dismay.
And then, an Angel speaks to calm their fears.
“I have good news; my message, oh so dear.
Today, today, a Savior has been born.
He is Messiah, the One to be adored.”
“You’ll find this child upon a manger bed,
Wrapped in cloth, where animals are fed.
In the town of David, will He be.”
(The one destined to die upon a tree.)
For all mankind, the joyous message rings.
Spread the news. He’s born the King of Kings.
A heavenly host, with praises fills the air.
“Glory to the One Who is Most Fair.
Peace on earth, good will to men,” they sing.
Shepherds depart to see this glorious thing.
The shepherds left their flocks alone that night.
They wanted to behold the wondrous sight,
Announced to them by the Angel from on high.
They found the babe; in the manger He did lie.
They shared the news announced to them with joy—
Proclaimed about the babe, sweet Mary’s boy.
And quietly, Mary pondered in her heart.
She kept her hopes and fears for her own part.
The shepherds are back to tending sheep,
But now, it is impossible to sleep.
The news entrusted safely to their care—
This message—a message singly rare,
A long-awaited promise now fulfilled.
Hopes and dreams renewed, restored, instilled.
Nothing outward changed in life just yet.
But inwardly, every promise now is met.
A King, the long-awaited one, has come.
God’s perfect plan for victory just begun.