Let
Advent seek, let mists descend,
Let all creation stare;
Let
humble eyes a sight behold
That stirs a soul laid bare.
While
shoppers run and sales abound,
While children's eyes are wide;
While
money flows and gifts are wrapped,
Let stand the greedy tide.
Take
care to keep from letting go,
From turning with the rest.
Take
time to wait and time to know
The better from the best.
Look
back and see through fog and veil
The site of love's release;
A
land, a star, a shepherd's cave,
A blessed place of peace.
Inside,
the dust and dirt fly all about;
The hay lies old and spent.
Yet
rests the babe, with mother near,
In every way content.
The
beasts are still, the light is faint,
The rags are small and worn.
And
all can sense with quiet ease
The Savior who is born.
Now does he raise his tiny hand
And smile with simple joy;
Love's gaze in faces all around
Supply his only toy.
No
trains, no cars, no fancy games
Are given here this night.
But
human comfort, care, and love
Provide his true delight.
For
shepherd, sheep, and kings alike
'Tis plenty to behold;
This vision of our God enfleshed
In greater good than gold.
Creation's
best, and some besides,
Dwells there for all to see.
The
simple truths are quite at hand,
Just waiting to go free.
A
gift of self, a gift of time,
A love spread out as leaven,
Share
in this truth, this mystery lived,
Of earth enjoined with heaven.
If
Christ was borne that night to us,
And we as much do say,
Then
should we not with eager heart
Bear him in mind today?
For
this I know, a simple fact,
Yet charged with certainty:
That
what we do with Christ this day
Does change eternity.
The
gifts we have, the gifts we share,
Have never been our own.
They
have been borne by God for us;
They are
the royal throne.
Stand
still, dear friend, and look about,
While stars and night do sing
With
brilliant light and mystic sound:
"All glory to the King!"
