Hoping

By Mabel Jones Gabbott

Among the shepherds on that night
Abiding in the field, were some
Who hurried, following the light
To Bethlehem, that they might come
To Jesus. Cradled in a manger
In swaddling clothes was Mary’s Son.
The shepherds knelt in awe, knowing
He was the Christ, the Holy One.

Would I be one among the few
Who left the warmth of firelight
To follow some unusual star
Into the wild Judean night?
Would I believe the words I heard,
The singing of the angel choir?
Or count my dreams and waking blurred,
And turn to feed an empty fire?

I hope that when He comes again
My heart will recognize His word,
And in the humble shepherd’s way
That I will come to know my Lord.

(1968)