On a very cold night near Bethlehem,
some two thousand years ago -
while Sheppard’s tended their flocks of sheep,
this little story is often told:

While tending their sheep on that cold, cold night,
a heavenly host of angels appeared -
and told them that a Savior would be born,
in a lowly manager very near.



The Sheppard’s decided to stray away,
but not to leave their flocks alone -
so they sought out the youngest Sheppard,
and told him to watch all their flocks,
and that he would be on his own.

The youngest Sheppard wanted to go,
but he knew he had to stay -
so he attended the sheep like he was told,
as the others went on their way.



But lo, he looked up toward the stars,
and another angel did appear,
and told him, “You will also see the child,”
so he knelt in silent prayer.

And, as he prayed he saw a star,
it was the brightest he had ever seen -
and as it hovered over Bethlehem,
he felt a strange quiver in his knees.



The star came to a sudden halt,
and rested over all the people there.
But the littlest Sheppard of them all -
still knelt in silent prayer.

When the other Sheppard’s returned,
they were surprised to still find him there -
but his face was glowing like a halo,
as he knelt in silent prayer!


All the Sheppard’s went to their flocks,
and all night long they stayed there,
and marveled at the littlest Sheppard -
who knelt in silent prayer!


©  Steve A. Politte
Dec. 1, 2005