Advent – Joy – Day 21

I’m just the shepherds’ little dog.
I’ll follow where they lead.
I’m faithful, loyal, through it all.
Their strong commands I heed.

I wag my tail at, “Job well done,”
Rough hands draw gently nigh.
I get a pat atop my head
While at their feet I lie.

The stars shone bright, one silent night
But for a newborn lamb.
It’s bleating cry soon quieted by
A shepherd’s steady hand.

When all at once night turned to day
The hair stood on my back.
My tail was tucked, my ears laid down—
All ready to attack.

For I’d defend the helpless flock
And guard the shepherds, too.
I’d give my life for all of theirs
If that’s what it came to.

But then a voice I didn’t know
Spoke softly and with care,
And though I didn’t understand,
New peace hung in the air.

I raised my nose and whiffed the breeze
It’s sweetness was the best
Just like a home I’d never had
A place to truly rest.

The shepherds stood but I sat down,
My head cocked left to right,
When all at once I realized
I’d lost my bark and bite.

Then angels’ voices filled the field.
The sheep were listening, too.
They raised their heads contentedly.
Their cud they munched and chewed.

Then all at once, the night was still
And silent as before.
The shepherds gave a firm command—
I understood my chore.

They quickly walked down from the hills
While holding staffs in hands.
I watched until they disappeared
While guarding hoof and land.

At nearly dawn my ears pricked up:
I heard the shepherds’ words.
Their faces shone, their smiles were wide
With joy like never before.

And on their clothes I caught the scent
The same as from the night,
Like Heaven came down to stay with us
To turn all wrong to right.

A different peace has come to Earth
To set our hearts at ease,
To love despite our muddy paws
And all our ticks and fleas.

I only hope that someday soon
They’ll visit once again,
But this time let me go along
And visit Heaven’s den.

I’m just the shepherds’ little dog
I’ll follow where they lead.
I’m faithful, loyal, through it all.
Their strong commands I heed.

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And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:8 ESV

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Reflection and Prayer: The Christmas story drives my imagination, as does much of Scripture. Thank God He cares for the “least of these,” even little dogs like you and me.