“I see him, but not now; my eyes behold
His glory, but not near. A Star shall come
Of Jacob’s line; from Israel, a Sceptre.”
The proud old pagan’s words emblaze the skies
We gaze on, sitting round the fading flames.
“Did Balaam know the God he prophesied?”
I muse. Old Moshe shakes his head. “His name
Was never written in the Book of Life.
Too well he loved the wage of sin, and though
His eye saw clearly, yet his heart made strife
Among God’s people. From that sin the hope
Of a Messiah slowly rose, until
The longing almost pulled our hearts in twain:
One Who would sit on David’s throne, and fill
The measure of the Law’s holy demands.”
He sighs. “But long has been His coming. Sleep,
And home tomorrow we will bring the sheep.”
It is not long before the oldest ewe
Gets to her ancient feet, and moves away.
I rise and grumble: “Wayward creature!” So
I move to catch her – but astonished, stay
To gasp aloud as Heaven opens, light
Enfolding us in brilliant warmth. A voice
Arrests: “Fear not! I bring good news.” And bright
The tears stand out in Moshe’s eyes. “Rejoice!
For unto you is born this day your Lord.”
And with the angel is a mighty host
Which lifts celestial praise in towering chord:
“Peace on the earth, glory to God foremost!”
We kneel and worship on the barren hill,
And as the light fades, glory lingers still.
I watch as Moshe tugs his graying beard,
And answers what I cannot ask: “No, son,
This was no dream. The sons of God appeared
And showed us what His mighty hand has done.”
“Then let us go,” I offer, “to find Him,”
“And see the sign they spoke of.” And he nods,
His long staff swinging off to Bethlehem.
I hurry too, across the frozen sod.
Somehow our steps are guided through the town
Not to a welcoming hearth, or open home,
But to a girl exhausted on the ground
Beside a manger, and the same celestial dome.
My heart is stricken – wayward creature! – for
She holds my loving Shepherd in her arms.
Jeremy Vogan
Advent, 2021
Artwork credit: Rita Wegner, Angels and Shepherds
Author: Jeremy Vogan
My name is Jeremy Vogan. I live in Staunton, VA with my wife and four kids. I love to write, and seek to honestly explore the intellectual and emotional implications of following Jesus as a deeply broken person in a twisted, cruel world that is full of veiled beauty and meaning. Writing is part of how I faithfully look for Jesus Christ to someday make all things new. I'd enjoy hearing your feedback! JV