Christmas Light

Darkness covered Bethlehem
Blanketing the shepherd men
in crisp, cool air of night.

Fires crackled in the dark,
Breaking night with naught but sparks
That dance up, out of sight.

Nighttime strangled heather-hills,
Sheep slept sound near dusky rills,
Into that world broke light.

Darkness covered Bethlehem,
Invading house and shed and inn,
And all was shuttered tight.

Unlit stable, shelter warm
Two travelers rest there, tired and worn
No help in fearful plight.

No midwife, no sterile rags
No fire's gleam, just dirty scraps.
Into that world came light.

Darkness covered human hearts,
Like inky clouds in every part,
Tainting every life.

Death and sin had conquered all,
And promises from God seemed small
And not to be made right.

Trusting beasts which could not save
No glimpse of hope, no rescue gave.
Into that world came light.