Dedicated to my Father, who died at the age of 83, two years a few weeks before Christmas. As I was growing up, he always called me "Little David."

"The Shepherd They Left Behind"

All the watching shepherds, except one,
ran to Bethlehem's manger scene
that first, fateful Christmas eve night;
A young apprentice shepherd had the daunting task
of watching the flock all by himself,
missing the visit to the miracle-birth's awesome sight.

Little David, the young shepherd's given name,
cared for the little lambs, and sheep
so compassionately and kind;
He was from true royal blood,
his Father was a distant relative of King David,
making him a part of the Davidic family line.

Suddenly, the heavenly choir of angels,
began to sing their song of good news again,
Hallelujah! Little David found himself no longer alone --
Revealed to him in that first Christmas Day's dawning light,
Was a vision of the Christ-child's virgin brith,
as bright as the Christmas Star had ever shone!

At this most blessed time of the year -- You too,
may be surrounded with much anxiety and fear,
feeling like life has treated you so unkind;
Lift up your head, open wide your heart,
let the sounds of the season resonate in your soul --
and you might also experience the surprised blessing
of little David, the shepherd they left behind!