Dennis Spilchuk Poet Verse

Notes About The Poem

The Christmas Story

The Christmas Story

A decree was sent throughout the land of Judea
by Caesar Augustus that all must return to their town
of origin for the census and the paying of taxes to Rome.
Besmirched by others, shunned by kin,
Mary and Joseph sojourned to Bethlehem, Judea,
with the angel of the Lord watching over them.

And Mary, being in the throes of childbirth,
had Joseph deliver “Emmanuel” into the world.
In the firmament, a host of angels sang,
and a messenger in the glory of God that shone
appeared to shepherds with the good news,
who then left their flocks to seek out the miracle.

They found the lissome mother in repose,
nursing the baby in the inn’s stable.
Finished, Mary laid the Saviour in a manger,
and the shepherds rejoiced and praised God
for His favour in keeping His “Messiah” promise,
words Mary treasured and pondered in her heart.

And a celestial body shining brighter than most
was seen by wise men in foreign lands
who set off on a journey to worship the Lord
with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
For it was written: “For out of you [Bethlehem, in the land of Judah]
will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Somewhere in the night, a fallen angel lurked
with pinion wings clipped to walk the earth,
and instilled evil in the heart of King Herod,
who then plotted to kill Jesus. But the angel of the Lord
warned Joseph in a dream to flee with Mary and the baby to Egypt!
After Herod’s death, the family returned to Galilee.
                                      ***

References:
1 Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6.
2 Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 2:1-20.
3 Micah 5:2 (NIV).

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