WHAT A BRILLIANT LIGHT

A couple thousand years ago a pilgrimage we took;
we rode upon our camels and we brought our holy book.

We traveled here and we traveled there, we traveled everywhere;
but so long as we had our faith, we really didn't care.

Along the route twas many times I thought that I would quit;
but ever time I said a word, my friends would have a fit.

You must go on, you cannot stop, my friends would yell with rage;
for the day is near, and the time is here, for a new and wondrous age.

Along our path were many men, some good, some bad, some mean;
but one we met in robes of gold, who called himself a king.

Through evil thoughts and evil deeds, his power grew and spread;
but behind his throne, behind his door, many men lie dead.

To us he said, the one you seek, the one that God spoke of;
bring him to me to the palace here, and let me show my love.

Behind his eyes, deep in his heart, we knew he told a lie;
we knew if the child was before him brought, the child would surely die.

In the days to come, and the weeks that passed, our trail we watched with fear;
for the evil king, a spy did send, and we knew that he was near.

One frosty night we saw a star and across the sky it flew;
we followed close and traveled fast, and watched it as it grew.

Across the fields, across the hills and to a little town it fled;
it finally stopped above a stable, Oh what a brilliant light it shed.

As we neared the battered barn, to behold this wondrous sight;
from near and far the shepherds came, to stand beneath the light.

They opened up a path for us and pointed out the way;
to the sight of a new born baby, sleeping softly in the hay.

In my mind I heard these thoughts as we walked across the sand;
on this night unto you is born a prince of the holy land.

With thoughts of joy and tears of love we knelt before this child;
for in our chest and in our minds our hearts were beating wild.

We placed before this blessed child our gifts of gold and more;
then turned in awe at the wondrous sight, we saw above the floor.

A choir of angels was floating there, above the shifting sand;
the song they sang was for peace on earth and good will towards every man.

We knew at once at our journey's end we'd found the holy grail;
for in this barn, we'd found the child, they named Emanuel.

As we left the sacred ground, and turned to ride away;
the 'evil spy' the king had sent, rode up to us to say.

To my king do not return, the spy proclaimed with joy;
for in his heart he means to kill, to destroy this precious boy.

Return to the kingdoms from whence you came, as if your journey had no end;
and to my king and to his court, a false report will I send.

For I have also learned this night, beneath that brilliant star;
is born this day the king of kings, a precious gift by far.

We each could tell from the soldier's words, and from the sparkle in his eye;
the man had met the holy child, and had forged a binding tie.

So our journey ends, our quest was found, now the story can be told;
about the tale of Jesus as we watched his life unfold.

But that was many years ago, two thousand years or more they say;
that the birth of Baby Jesus turned the night time into day.

But the light he shed for all mankind, will last throughout the years;
to calm our hearts, and give us hope, and wash away our fears.

I wrote this for my daughter on her 7th birthday as a bedtime story and she has loved it ever since.
Like I said…I am not a poet and know you know it!