Twelve Stanzas of Christmas

The Christmas tree transmits its light,
charisma draws us there.
It sets the stage, a welcome sight,
as hope drives out despair.

Two doves announced God’s peace and love.
The prophets’ words were giv’n;
then angels’ visions told whereof
Messiah had left  heav’n.

As hens that gather baby chicks
securely under wing,
Our God came down - to intermix
all men beneath one King.

The Spirit of the Lord has come -
God’s calling birds will bless.
a call for justice, wisdom’s plumb,
a call for righteousness.

Five rings of hope since time began
Abram’s heir, virgin born,
Foretold to Jacob, Judah’s clan,
From David, Christ will come.

The promise for which most Jews pined
like eggs had been laid down.
New kingdom, free from Roman bind -
would never see renown.

The shepherds swim about unclear -
commotion in their fields.
The angels’ message, “Do not fear!
For peace will be revealed.”

Eve's offspring was to bear a Son
as Jewish maids knew well.
Each hoped to be that special one
to birth Immanuel.

The Christ Child in a manger slept
sweet Mary's baby boy.
Messiah's here! the promise kept.
Doubt turns to dance of joy.

Some mighty men, some men so plain
like children, all bring praise.
They jump for joy at One who'll reign
eternal, endless days.

Much later His disciple-scribes
record the words we use
to announce this Prince’s tribe,
broadcasting His good news.

While star pulsates the eastern skies,
the Wise Men bear no loss.
Forewarned of threat from Herod’s spies,
God's drums resound the cross.

written by Reason A. Poteet