If shepherds hadn’t been watching their charge,
As all good shepherds do.
If they hadn’t been dutifully faithful,
In spite of damp and dew.
If men of sheep hadn’t sheep-minded been,
The long winter night through;
They’d have missed that chorus grandly suspended,
Announcing centuries of prophecy ended,
In notes and quality, in minors and ranges, so large –
Masterfully blended.
If wise men hadn’t been looking upward,
As wise men want to do.
If ancient scholars hadn’t known the sky,
And humbly, knew, they knew.
If star-spangled men hadn’t known their flag,
The night that star first flew.
They’d have missed the invitation of all earth,
To rejoice in the King of Creation’s birth;
The astronomical discovery worthy of reward –
Announcing Royal worth. – eab, 12/80
Written while I worked with Christ College and Christ Academy in East Tennessee.
Separate-Holy 