This poem alternates between three Christmas perspectives: Angelic viewpoint; Joseph’s viewpoint; and modern day viewpoint.

I don’t understand. Was this the plan? Is this what Jesus will do?

How could he leave and go to the Earth, and grieve those here who remain?

I hear the love that resides in him is so great that he will now woo

The humans he loves because that is what he does and their future he will soon regain.

I don’t understand why his plan is entrusted to someone like me.

Can I as a father not bother to care for the life of such a one?

Yet, if he is the Savior which his angel has said, then what can I to him be?

But I will obey and ensure the way so his will for me can be done.

I don’t understand why we wrap all these presents. I for one say nay.

They’re such a chore, a pain, and a bore—that’s for sure and certain.

Is anyone even grateful for how much I spend and just give it all away?

I wouldn’t shed a tear if on all this “cheer” we would just close the curtain.

I can’t believe what I just heard! How can it be? It can’t be true.

He’s bringing his love, which comes from above, but these humans won’t even care.

Gabriel has said of this he knew, but his birth would somehow become a clue

For those who follow, his love they hallow, and it to others they bear.

I can’t believe the shepherds would come to observe our baby just born here at Migdal Eder.

Angels, it seems, had said to them to be of good cheer for he lay here in their manger.

I thought they would be mad but one shepherd replied and spoke as if their leader.

He said no, they were happy to ponder this Promised Wonder; Israel to God no longer a stranger.

I can’t believe my wife had me purchase such an expensive type of wrapping paper.

Why does the color need to be gold with texture stiff and hard to fold? But that’s what I had to buy.

Yeah, she said beauty of the color reminds her of the gold, and the frankincense and myrrh

That was given so freely, on that first Christmas really, to the baby Jesus by the regal Magi.

I think I get it now, even though it is strange to see it all play out.

Jesus left heaven on that Shavuot, being born as a sin antidote, arriving on Earth as an infant

So he could with humans identify even though their allegiance lays often in doubt.

But he assures his love will win in the end, freeing mankind from sin, becoming transcendent.

I think I get it now, this Promised One in my arms giving me a feeling of awe.

Knowing that God has visited this sod in such a glorious and magnificent way.

It’s beyond my comprehension how his tiny little fingers reach out and touch my jaw.

My eyes fill with tears realizing Mary’s fears will manifest on that future dark day.

I think I get it now: this present wrapped in gold donning its delicate bow changes my attitude.

I anxiously await as the giver for the receiver to open this gift wrapped with so much care.

It then hits me. God felt the same giving his Word, his Son, without any platitude.

What mattered was not its inception but its open reception without any needed fare.

I bow my head and raise my hand as I am taught this love which Jesus freely flaunts.

Humans are not worth the mention but that does not change the attention that is given.

“It was all for naught,” “it will not last,” “and all will forget,” the Adversary taunts,

But love, a sacrificial cause, will give the receiver applause as one day to be risen

To a life anew forever united with this One who loved them so.

Their praise will last forever because their Savior will never let them go.

I bow my head and raise my hand as I look at the shepherds and Magi here on their knees

Realizing I am part of the prophecy of the supremacy of this dear one now in Mary’s arms.

Yes, sadness will come but will not remain for there is more to these prophecies

Which state my adopted son will one day reign King of kings and free us all from any harms.

My heart beats with pride as I look at this one so tiny in this lowly of places.

Knowing I’m fulfilling God plan for me, for Israel to see, and for the world full of so many faces.

I bow my head and raise my hand, a better attitude now found.

Presents are a symbol of the love that does resemble what occurred on that first nativity.

How love came down in the form of an infant, and to all mankind did abound.

Even to those who refuse his gift and remain amused in their negativity.

But Christ’s love bestows new life to those who believe and keeps the evil that comes at bay.

So shout it and say, “I thank you Yahweh for the love you gave on that first Christmas Day.”

By: Randy C Dockens

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