The Wild Nativity

 The Wild Nativity.

We have our prophecies too

you know!

We tell our own tales, 

and so we knew 

to gather there 

that night,

ambassadors of our 

varied kinds all. 

Before old Joseph 

came back

with supplies from the inn

we were there, 

hidden in the hay,

up amongst the old beams, 

resting by the manger, 

or drawn there 

by the new star 

that rose that night 

pure and shining 

like a snowflake 

in its light. 

We were there.

We had felt the 

old pull of Eden

in our furred and feathered hearts

and felt His long forgotten nearness 

once again who walked with us 

in golden evening light.

Old rivalries forgotten,

or at least put aside tonight, 

we sat peacefully 

in storied rank 

half hidden in the shadows, 

lost in awe at her, 

settled,

so still 

in the straw, 

her eyes closed 

as though present 

to a mystery 

within.

We were there 

waiting for Him

with her.

Let us prepare 

His place we said...

Wren moved first, 

to pluck her own breast

scattering the softest down 

amongst the rough straw 

and sparrows followed

weaving moss and herbs 

as mattress 

as Owl, and old Crow 

and Hawk directed.

"I will keep him warm", 

said Robin,

reddening his breast 

while fanning flame alight.

"We will sing to him 

when at last He comes"

said the little ones, 

four footed and furred 

and long tailed too,

piping in their tiny voices 

choiring high as mouse 

and vole, rabbit

and hedgehog all 

assembled there, 

followed by fox's clear tenor 

and Badger's earthy baritone 

to sing their 

benediction of 

wild welcome.

And then he came.

How? As sun shines sudden through a cloud breaking blindingly!

How? As the first rays of dawn mark that moment when night becomes a new day.

How? As a scenting nose is suddenly aware of a change in the air.

He came.

More than that we will not say.

Ours alone was that privilege to see and we will guard it down the ages...

And Mary looked upon us with love

and thanked us all

and in her smile and words 

we heard old Eve laugh 

at last again.

And then there was noise, 

and people, 

so many people,

and we withdrew

as we always do

to the shadows

again.

But not before He smiled at us

a smile of long recognition

graced and grateful

both.

After the shepherds left,

and their piping drumming din

went off amongst the crowds.

After Bethlehem finally became still.

After old Joseph nodded off 

to his Angeled dreams.

We were there 

and came forth again 

from the shadows

to dwell with them, 

our new Adam and Eve, 

and heard then 

our Gospel 

preached to us, 

who are already 

of His kingdom 

and always were.

We made our covenant 

with Him then,

to be the first apostles 

of His love

and in 

our being blessed

and shared with you

to remind you 

of the innocence 

you lost

and He renews 

if you would but follow 

our

wild way to

Eden's light

again.

We have been 

forgotten now

as shepherds, kings 

and crowds

followed, 

but not by Him,

who from his mother's arms

smiled past them all at us

hiding in the shadows

there.

And we would later

meet Him

in the desert 

and the garden,

there

we will be with Him 

again,

for we have 

our prophecies too 

you know,

and tell our tales 

too,

whispering 

to each other

across the woods 

and hills,

on this night 

each year

as you toll your bells

and sing,

we look to the skies

and 

remember;

we 

were 

there.

Christmas Blessings to you and yours this Holy Night +

(Pic is of The Christmas Star by Lynn Bywaters)