The Christmas Stable Mouse
Bethlehem nights were far colder than the bright sunlit days,
as creatures in the stable were taken out to graze.
The ox, the ass, the donkey, and the mule
were pastured out to earn their keep
in exchange for hay, fodder, and dried gruel
as the night stars gathered in the sheep.
The stable mouse had burrowed deep beneath the hay
there birthed her young and held them hidden safe,
sheltered, warmed throughout the day
protected within the darkest place to play.
One still night, a couple came unnoticed and quiet like
gathered hay to escape the cold of the night,
all complete as the midnight hour spiked
the stable glowing brilliantly with the brightest light.
Voices rose, blended in melodic angelic hymns
and the young couple serenely glowed
ignited warm and holy with the birth of Him
giving purpose to the life each parent was to know.
The small mouse peeked out of her small hole
awed and wondering at this birth
and at what she had seen from her place and was gifted to behold
knowing it was a blessing to the earth, here down below.
The mother smiled, beckoned the mouse closer
as she could not help but wonder
what child is this, what song is versed
in startling lightning announced thunder;
she came closer to the newest mother.
her children following close behind
to see such beauty unlike any other
soft skin, wise eyes, gentle, loving and kind.
As each approached, they bowed their heads amazed
at the innocence and love purveyed
the father watched silently, as the child held their gaze
in those moments the mouse found her voice and prayed.
Thank you, God, I know this must be your Son
born in this place within its simple mystery
where ox, ass and donkeys have run
to see fulfilled the words of prophecy, God has come.
This is your blessing, a solemn gift divine
I ask nothing of you as I am so small
bless all the children of creatures, men, mine and all
and may your Son grow to be strong, wise, and tall .
In this moment that stretched into the dark night, a light
the child's mother softly touched the small mouse's head
a blessing was given to her and her children's delight
in the miracle and wonder on that Bethlehem night within the manger bed.
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