The Visit a.k.a. The Father’s Heart

To hear this story, go to: The Visit

T’was a night of the census and all through the town

Many creatures were stirring – no place to lie down.

The animals huddled up close in the shed

Where a manger of hay must be used for a bed.

For Miryam on donkey and I, on the ground

Reported to register. Bethlehem bound,

Though she was with child, any time giving birth

To one of remarkable, measureless worth!

His father… now that is a curious matter.

If rumors were scattered her good name would shatter.

It started with Gabriel who came from the LORD.[i]

While we two were pledged by one blessed accord,

They privately spoke of our future, those two.

“Fear not! You are favored, The Lord is with you”

Said he, “You’ll be pregnant, give birth to a son,

And great will he be for he’s God’s chosen one.

Son of The Most High! And he will ascend

The throne of King David, his kingdom won’t end.

The Spirit will come, though a virgin you be”.

“Lord, I am your servant. May it happen,” said she.

I confess I was taken aback by this news.

What sort of response would a godly man choose?[ii]

Then an angel I saw, too, one night in a dream,

Who confirmed for me what this appearance would mean.

“Fear Not!” was his message, “for this is God’s will,

As Yeshaaya foretold it, and true it is still.”

Yeshua, he said, is the name to assign

And he will accomplish the truly divine.

This child delivers his people from sin.

Immanuel,[iii] God with us! He’ll work from within!

Oh, Not like an angel who appears and is gone.

His reign established,[iv] his government long.[v]

No seeker[vi]could miss the import he will hold.

Throughout scripture, prefigured, his life is foretold,

As the Teaching, the Prophets the Writings proclaim.

Is the World to Come the sole reason he came?

Just what could this perfect life pay to redeem

All His people from sin?[vii] Liberation supreme?

Some lambs for the Passover rest in this shelter,

Others proceed to Jerusalem’s altar.

Might he be aware they are sacrificed for him?

Does he know the cost of a sacrifice grim?

By trade I’m a builder. I plan and align.

But this situation was not my design.

Just a tool of my maker, I am in this case.

And that’s how we find ourselves in this strange place.

What folly to think I would father this child

And raise him, instruct him, for I am defiled.

Can I nurture and love him as a good father would?

Though not of my flesh, will I care as I should?

Will he accept me when he knows all I’ve done?

And will he embrace me as if my own son?

I cannot begin to see how this works out.

Though how it began these damp eyes cannot doubt.

Most surely before men he will be raised up[viii]

And pour royal wine from his excellent cup![ix]

As Prince of Shalom may he open the door

Bringing fullness of joy and peace ever more![x]

To read other similar stories in this series see The Witness List.

Based on Luke 2:1-7

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The footnotes below show definitions and/or Scripture references.

[vi]Psalm 9:10, Psalm 22:25-27, Psalm 24:5-7, Psalm 40:15-17, Psalm 105:3-5, Psalm 119:2, Isaiah 55:5-7, Jeremiah 29:12-14, Matthew 6:31-33

[vii]Exodus 6:5-7, Psalm 25:21-22, Psalm 69:17-19, Psalm 107:1-3, Isaiah 1:26-28, Isaiah 41:14, Isaiah 43:1-3, Isaiah 44:5-7, Isaiah 47:4, Isaiah 54:4-6, Luke 1:67-69, Galatians 3:12-14