Sometimes as shepherds

Sometimes as shepherds afraid, grimy,

ashamed of our shabbiness

we approach the manger-cross.

Sometimes as kings, haughty, self-assured

confident of our position

we approach the manger-cross.

Sometimes as shepherds.

And we come,

shepherds,

slowly, and still in fear

nothing to offer, nothing of worth,

to this manger-cross holy place:

set aside in time and space for purpose.

Each forward step

a warming, glowing friendship greets us.

Each step closer to tears,

each broken-hearted step

a step closer to the mending heart of God.

Sometimes as kings.

And we come,

kings,

purposeful and determined

gold-incense present-carrying

to this manger-cross holy place:

set aside in time and space for purpose.

Each forward step

a disarming, glowing furnace melts our offering.

Each step closer to fear

each fear inducing step

a step closer to the restoring heart of God.

Sometimes as shepherds,

though mostly as kings,

we come to our places of manger-cross:

in church, at home, at the unexpected moment,

to receive

not the Christmas present

but the ever present Christ.