I came upon a midnight clear,

following a star,

traveled over dark terrain

not measuring how far.

Finally I came near

to where the Saviour lay,

peering in I caught a glimpse,

a baby in the hay.

Though many were drawing near

I stealthily kept pace.

At the entrance to the room

I saw a hardened face.

“Can I come in?” I humbly asked.

“I’ve no incense, oil or gold

I bring myself to worship him”

The One whose birth foretold.

The keeper of the entrance

Looking down on me, grim

Took in my appearance, said

“I cannot let you in,

you’re not a king, bearing gold

and oil is for the dead!

Your incense is not pleasant

perhaps you’d bring a ram instead?”

I fled away to distant land

and waited for the time

to meet him when he grew

to know this Saviour is mine.

I heard every Word He said

from his birth to the tomb

in the streets, or temple court

sitting in the outer room.

When finally His breathing stopped

My heart nearly did too

I waited near and mourned the day

Not knowing what to do.

When he arose he conquered death

His grace had found a way

to make my gift acceptable

Now I await the day,

When I can see Him come again

I need not touch His wounds.

I have felt them for myself

and long for His coming soon.

——————————–Earth image source