234 - The Innkeeper & Christ-Child & One Song, One Star & Simple Lad

The Innkeeper
By Vic Jameson

I knew them not; yet, I had never seen
A man whose face was quite so trouble-lined,
Nor any woman who, so great with child,
Possessed an air of such angelic ease.

The inn was full. And even had they been
From Herod's court, I knew I could not find
A room for them. But'round her face so mild
Astrange light seemed to glow when she said, "Please."

What could I do? For I was never keen
At turning folk away. Then in my mind
My little stable flashed. The thought was wild,
But shelter must be found for such as these.

And so it was; there in the manger mean
Began the greatest Life of all mankind;
The inn was full; and so I am reviled,
And so shall be for all eternities.

And yet I think one question is my due:
I found a place for Him. Have you? Have you?

Christ-Child

God of Christ-child born of old,
God of frankincense and gold,
God of song-filled starry night,
Fill my heart with manger light.

God of ghetto, God of dirt,
God of misery and hurt,
God of outcasts, God of poor,
Make my heart an open door,

God of peace and God of strain,
God of hope, and God of pain,
God of sorrow and of mirth,
Grant my heart a Savior's birth.

Vic Jameson is a layman and Director of the Presbyterian Office of Information, United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. His "Contextual Prayer" was published in THEOLOGY TODAY, Oct., 1972, pp. 324ff. Rushing the season somewhat, we think these four Christmas pieces will be appreciated in advance of Advent and will be perhaps lifted and used by many of our readers.

235 - The Innkeeper & Christ-Child & One Song, One Star & Simple Lad

One Song, One Star

One song, on a hill;
Shepherds hear, in the still
Of the night. Full of fear,
They draw near,
All beguiled,
To the stable, and child.

One star, in the sky;
Travelers three, guided by
Its bright rays, journeying
To a King,
Where they lay
Precious gifts in the hay.

One hope, in our hearts:
'Ere this season departs
In the rush of the days,
May your ways
Near or far
Bring you song, bring you star.

Simple Lad

I would ask you, simple lad,
What know you of incarnation?
What of learning have you had?
What of timeless expectation?
What foretellings have you heard?
Do you know of holy things?
Have you read the prophets' words?
Can you recognize a King?

Young and ignorant I am;
But a star is shining yonder
And the beasts all seem to stand
By that crib in silent wonder.
Someday I will learn the meaning
Of the gifts the strangers bring.
Naught I know of all your questions.
But I heard the angels sing.