Luke, cc. 1-3
From people of old there came two old people,
their gametes had failed, they were growing quite feeble.
An angel appeared to bring them some elation,
a child was now coming, a next generation.
Elsewhere was a woman, young and betrothed,
the angel now entered into her abode,
to say she was favored and having a child,
the news was a miracle, the whole idea wild.
The young mother paid the old one a visit,
their joy was profound, their encounter exquisite.
Their wombs were in sync, one danced as a portend;
they prophesied hope and reversals of fortune.
c. 2
Christ’s birth in the night brought celestial sensations,
the angel, with others, paid a night visitation,
to shepherds (of all folk) ennobling their worth,
and sang of God’s glory and peace on the earth.
And after the child’s snipping and presentation,
they went to the temple for purification.
Two elders were there who spoke bright affirmations,
they saw in this child God’s work of salvation.
With annual treks for the feasts of Passover,
when Jesus was twelve he chose to stay over.
Confounding the wise with question he raised,
his mother was worried but also amazed.
c. 3
While some folks were rulers and other were priestly,
the Word of the Lord came to someone quite beastly.
He stood by the Jordan and called for deep change,
then John warned the people their hearts were estranged.
With mountains brought low and rough places made smooth,
John’s message was not intended to sooth.
It called for repentance, for things made anew;
so sinners came asking what are we to do?
The answers were simple, their effects were far-reaching,
“Share clothing, share food,” was the change John was preaching.
And to those who used power, who oppressed and extorted,
“Be happy when you have enough,” he retorted.
“Could you be the Christ?” they asked the baptizer.
“No, one is coming, one who is mightier.
He’ll bring Spirit and fire, for a time of great cleansing,
he’ll show who is in and who’s just pretending.”
One day Jesus came and he, too, stepped in,
he too was baptized, who knew no sin!
The sky was torn open, the Spirit alighted,
a voice said, “My loved one in whom I’m delighted!”
From people of old to the child of delight,
with stories encompassing bright days and dark nights,
the waters continue to offer a place,
where we’re called “beloved” by dint of God’s grace.