Today I passed a manger scene

So filled with cares, tired and green.

With envy for what others had,

Envious, surly and quite sad.

When manger's light did me beckon,

And asked me to but pause, and reckon,

"What wondrous presence filled that place?"

Which had been meant for beastly face.

And thus transformed, and now was there

For love's rebirth in time and sphere,

That I, stricken, repent and turn

And beg God's light within me burn.

To know that trough, in darkness rude,

Has now received celestial food,

And feeding there each blessed day,

We may feed others in God's Way.

As Christ's presence filled that manger,

Ask we, dear Lord, in sorrow or danger,

Pray your presence in our being,

That past the darkness, you be seeing.

Make us the mangers of your life

Providing love in midst of strife

Be thou our Lord of strength and grace

In every time and clime and place!

John Hazel

Palmerton