Ballad of the Shepherds’ Night

We watched our flocks beneath the stars, The night was still, no sound from far. The fire was low, the sheep asleep, While silence wrapped the hills so deep. Then sudden light split through the dark, A blaze of glory, fierce and stark. We fell to ground, our hearts in flight— An angel stood, arrayed in light. “Fear not,” he said, “I bring you joy, A Savior born—a holy boy. In David’s town, this gift is laid, The Lord, Messiah, unafraid.” “This sign you’ll find: a manger bed, Where swaddled child rests sleepy head.” Then heaven burst in song and flame, A thousand voices praised His name: “Glory to God in highest height, And peace on earth, goodwill, delight!” The sky then dimmed, the angels gone, But still our souls were lit with dawn. We ran through fields, past sleeping homes, Through Bethlehem’s quiet, winding loam. And there we found Him, just as told— A child so small, yet grace so bold. His mother smiled, His father stood, The stable warm with simple wood. We knelt in straw, our hearts laid bare, For Heaven’s King was cradled there. No crown He wore, no robe, no throne, Yet all creation called Him Son. We left with joy, we told the tale— Of angels’ song and love that prevails. And still we watch, though years have flown, For signs of Him in hearts unknown. The shepherd’s call is ours to keep: To guard the truth, to wake the sheep.