Dave ArmstrongI have written six Christmas poems based directly on what we know of Advent and Christmas, from the Bible. Three (about our Lord Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the angels) have been published in this newspaper in the last two years. I now present two more: about Simeon (2006) and the shepherds (2010).
It’s a very different form of writing from my usual straight apologetics, but for that very reason it is immensely enjoyable to me. Almost every year (but not quite), the “mood” comes over me (usually in the two weeks before Christmas day), and I set out to write a narrative poem from Scripture: which must accurately convey God’s inspired revelation: in meter and rhyme. I always get them done in one day.
I have another poem in me this year. There are only a few “Christmas biblical themes” left. I may write one about the animals. Folk singer Harry Belafonte sang a song along these lines, called, The Gifts They Gave. That might give me some ideas.
Once I finish these poems, it is a wonderful feeling of having produced a “piece of art.” How well I did is for others to judge, but I feel a strong “artsy” sense of “creation,” which I suspect is very similar to the musical composer’s experience.
It is my sincere wish that you will be edified by these as much as I enjoyed writing them, and I heartily wish all a blessed Advent and Merry Christmas.
The Song of Simeon
[see Luke 2:25-35]
Long have I lived; my earthly end now drawing near
Waiting for the Messiah, to come deliver our land
To fulfill all our hopes and soothe ever-present fears
And rescue His chosen people by His mighty hand
We have suffered for many years, in the utmost travail
The conquering Romans our faith and freedoms deny
Yet Yahweh long ago promised that He would prevail
And bless His dear children who weep, groan, and sigh
The Spirit told me that before this world I should depart
I would see Messiah, God’s Son, with mine own eyes
Thus comforted, I watched and sought, glad of heart
For the Redeemer: He Who descends from glory on high
Led by His voice I entered the great temple holy
In search of the precious babe, whose child I am
To behold righteous Joseph and humble Mary lowly
Amidst all the sacrifices of pigeons and of lambs
In a mere instant I knew in Whose presence I crept
An infant basked in glowing sanctity, and awesome light
His face glimpsed but for a moment, I rejoiced and wept
Uplifted and surrounded by pure new contentment bright
Overtaken by emotion I grasped my Lord in my arms
Profusely thanking God for blessing me in that hour
Mary and Joseph were astonished but feared no harm
I passed His blessing along to them: joy and power
But alongside the peace came a troubling message sober
Revealing what the Son was destined to pass through
By Him all could be saved when the dreadful ordeal was over
But a terrible price would be paid; this Mary already knew
I saw a fleeting sadness in her holy, beautiful face
As I spoke of a sword passing through her own heart
But of despair in the blessed Virgin I saw not a trace
God had given her the abundant grace to fulfill her part
Then the divine child intently gazed for a long time at me
As if to say, “I have willingly come to save all mankind.
My mother understands and the Father’s entire plan sees.
She is the ‘handmaid of the Lord’, though many are blind.”
Joseph embraced me, smiled, and said “God’s will be done.”
Mary sensed my sorrow, and said, “His cup, not ours; let it be.”
I pondered Isaiah 53 and the child’s mission already begun.
And marveled at God’s mercy and love towards sinners like me.
Shepherds’ Carol
[see Luke 2:8-20]
It was like any other evening, in the fields, watching our sheep,
Making sure no predators or reckless thieves harmed our flocks.
Our task was to ensure their safety: health, well-being to keep,
Feeding and protecting them from pits, thorns, and jagged rocks.
All of a sudden, lo, an angel! and the glory of the Lord all round,
The darkness became as day, with radiant beams glowing bright.
Fearing for our lives, yet somehow still secure, safe, and sound,
We listened intently to the heavenly messenger on that holy night.
Telling us to not be afraid, then happily proclaiming the good news,
The angel spoke of great joy to come, for all people, from every land.
Referring to a marvelous savior, enabling all God’s people to choose,
Salvation in the city of David; who ever heard of anything so grand!
The angel foretold a sign: a baby all wrapped up, lying in a manger,
Messiah and Lord! God’s ways and means ever mysterious and new.
People coming from all around, to worship: friend, cousin, stranger,
Triumphant message spreading far and wide, and excitement grew.
Before we knew it, heavenly hosts appeared, praising the Lord on high,
Singing “glory to God” & “peace and good will to men” loud and clear.
We were dazed and stood there enthralled at the majestic celestial cry,
Pondering what we had just seen and what our ears did indeed hear.
Someone said, “let’s run and observe this wonder with our own eyes!”
Traveling over the hills, we found the holy family, just as we were told.
We shared with all present the words of the luminous choir in the skies,
Astounding everyone with angelic stories & fulfilled prophecies of old.
Mary, blessed mother of the savior, gave us a knowing and tender look,
She was deep in thought, contemplating how God could come to earth.
We left filled with joy, spreading words from angels & the sacred book,
Praising, glorifying God & sharing all we’d heard about the holy birth.
Dave Armstrong has been a full-time Catholic apologist since 2001. He lives in Melvindale, grew up in Detroit, and attends St. Joseph Church near downtown. He has been happily married to his wife Judy since 1984, and they have four children. Dave has written 44 books on various apologetics topics, including five for Sophia Institute Press, and several bestsellers in the field. These are available for purchase (ePub, mobi, or PDF) at his deep discount booksite, www.biblicalcatholicism.com, and in paperback elsewhere.
