by Mark Weinrich

When the angels appeared
outside Bethlehem,
shepherds were scorned,
despised, and condemned.

For as they watched their
flocks lest none should stray.
They did not keep
the Sabbath day.

So they were regarded
just above lepers,
but no better than
treacherous tax collectors.

Yet that night in fields 
outside Bethlehem;
the greatest of news 
was given to the least of men…

So that all, even shepherds
might rejoice in Him.

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Mark Weinrich lives a creative life as a writer, photographer, musician, and artist—all wrapped together in an outdoorsman. He is a retired pastor and nine-year cancer survivor. His writing and photography have appeared in over 130 news stand, inspirational, and literary publications. He has sold eight children’s books and currently has two fantasy novels on Kindle.