They were asleep. The song showered down.
But it was I, Caleb, who aroused them.
The noise was first slow, then with power--sound
Joined my howls of joy--angelic anthems.
I guard while the shepards investigate
Receiving an instruction from on high
To celebrate: "Come before it's too late
To behold your savior." Advent is nigh.
I remain alone with the sheep. I watch
For I am Caleb. I know my place.
I need no viewing, no scent to catch.
I sang with the angels in this sacred space.
These shepards are mine for I am their dog
And these, these are the sheep of my pasture.
My masters are wise and full of grace.
They talk with stars and contemplate space.
Soothsayers and magicians pretend
to impress them, but Heaven forfend.
For I have yet to see any more wise,
More regal, more knowing than these guys.
Yet there is one we seek to review
If he is truth and light born anew.
Three come to examine the future.
Three leave with the knowledge to detour
Away from a fourth, king of deceit
In whom love and peace are not meet.
He lies in a bed of straw turned gold,
As gifts of incense and myrrh unfold.
My back is breaking and my feet are aching
But the journey is long so my legs must be strong
I carry she who is the christopher, the one
Do they know, can they, all that they are forsaking?
We flee, as thieves at night, shying away from light.
Hurrying to the south where shelter may be found
We journey safe in the shadows making no sound
While the angel of death strikes children in the night.
The hope of the nations, the wealth of creation
These are in my pack, we ride to Egypt's border
Refugees have no stability or order
But we have God, we ride under His protection.
Child, what sacred mysteries are behind your smile?
Do you know? Can you say what will end our exile?