“Here Am I, And The Children The LORD Has Given Me”

A Nativity Poem in Seven Parts

I.

In the book of Isaiah

The theme unfolds

With the highest heights: (Is. 7:10)

The virgin shall be with child (Is. 7:14)

And will give birth to a son,

And he shall be called

Immanuel

God with us.

II.

But another child was also born

Another sign, the deepest depths: (Is. 7:10)

The prophet himself went to

The prophetess and together

She conceived and gave birth to a son, (Is. 8:3)

And he was called

Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz

Quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil.

III.

One child of promise, (Is. 9:2)

The other of judgment. (Is. 8:4, 21-22)

One child of hope

The other of despair.

So says Isaiah:

"Here am I

And the children the LORD has given me.

We are signs and symbols in Israel."  (Is. 8:18)

IV.

And so the plan unfolded:

Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (Is. 8:3)

Was born and the Lord’s instrument

Swept through the land. (Is. 8:6-17)

The people were distressed and hungry

And enraged they cursed their king

As they looked toward the earth and saw

Only distress and darkness and fearful gloom… (Is. 8:19-22)

V.

But the Lord had promised to honor Galilee by the sea (Is. 9:1)

And a great light became seen

By these people walking in darkness - (Is. 9:2)

Military equipment was piled high

The uniforms too, were thrown on the bonfire. (Is. 9:5)

For unto us a child is born,

To us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders. (Is. 9:6a)

VI.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace,  (Is. 9:6b)

Of the increase

Of his government and peace

There will be no end. (Is. 9:7a)

VII.

He will reign on David’s throne

And over his kingdom,

Establishing and upholding it

With justice

And righteousness

From that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

Will accomplish this. (Is. 9:7b,c)

Comments

[Jan]

Interesting juxtaposition. Wonderful wording. Riveting writing. Very handsome author.