Specifics

A Christmas poem

Photo by Inbal Malca on Unsplash

The date

and time of year

we are not told.

God knows his reason,

perhaps to remind us

that his grace is not chained

by time or season.

The shepherds’ names,

the magis’ race

(or number

or their dwelling place)-

These as well

God neglects to tell

as if to shine

the spotlight only

on his Son, Emmanuel.

In a cave by a nameless inn

He came

and we do not know

the innkeeper’s name,

or where Christ dwelt

when the wise men came.

Our doubting minds

would pry and probe:

what date? what star?

what spot on the globe?

Yet all the essentials

are given and clear:

the angels’ message,

the Babe adored.

Let us drop to our knees

and seek no more.