The Outcast Shepherds (Vol 4 No 13)
The stories we tell that bring us great joy
Are legends about the birth of a boy;
The myst’ries surrounding that birth long ago
Still charm and excite us; the details we know.
But hidden within are seeds of unrest;
For shepherds are those whom others detest;
They’re unclean, they’re outcasts, don’t keep Sabbath days;
Their sheep steal their fodder wherever they graze.
Yet shepherds are those, those chosen to hear
Glad tidings of joy that bring such good cheer;
Not emperors nor monarchs, not noble nor priest
Are given the news that is shared with the least.
The story unfolds and Jesus becomes
A rabbi of note who never succumbs
To power abused or to systems corrupt;
The use of oppression he tries to disrupt.
So why at his birth are last made the first?
His major concern were those treated worst;
He ate with, befriended the wretched and poor;
The most disadvantaged - he loved them the more.
So back at his birth the shepherds are there;
These outcasts are first to praise and declare
That hope and compassion will always be found
With Jesus; we too sing his love - so profound.
Tune Laudate Dominum AHB 83,144(ii) TiS 96,215
4 13.pdf Mus