What had she told him of that first Christmas night—
He was twelve now and they were trudging uphill to Jerusalem—
That first Christmas night when the hushed stillness
Of Judean hills was shattered by hosts of angels
Caroling their welcome of glory and peace—
Of Wisemen star-led to a manger?
Down through the centuries the message echoed—
A Prince to come! A King to rule!
And now, the promise fulfilled; the babe was here.
Simeon lifting him up,
And ancient Anna too.
They knew, they visioned and rejoiced.
Then the quiet flight
Under the wingspread of sheltering Love
Beyond the reach of Herod's hordes
Into Egypt's safety.
