What Child?

What child is this,

whose manger lies

beneath the dark

cold Bethl’em skies?

Child of wonder,

child of woe,

child whose heart

will not let go

of pain and suf’ring,

war and strife,

of that which burdens

all of life.

Child whose heart

breaks hard and true

for that which God

desires to do:

bring light to darkness,

salve to pain;

bring hope to those

who know but bane.

Child whose simple

gifts unfold

grace’s promise

ancient told:

“Who you are

and whom you’ll be,

designed at

dawned eternity;

live into hope,

love into being,

and Christmas’ gift

you will be seeing!”

Join angel’s, shepherd’s,

Magi’s voice;

for Emmanuel’s tent,

and pitching rejoice.

May Christmas’ joy

in your life abound;

may you live its gift

the whole year ‘round!

© 2012 Todd Jenkins