by Pat Severin

Under a ceiling of deep indigo
Where the Milky Way swirled in the heavens,
I gazed upward, searching for the Star of Bethlehem.
My father placed me on his broad shoulders
And, using his finger as a compass, he pointed into a 
Dusting of stars scattered across the velvety darkness.

Tracing the three bright stars of Orion’s Belt,
He drew the scene of the shepherds keeping watch 
Over their flocks at night.
His finger danced across the sky 
To a small, unassuming cluster of stars, 
Where a radiant star appeared with great joy, 
Announcing the birth of a Baby.

Using the stars as his brushstrokes, 
He painted the scene of the Magi with gifts 
Of gold, frankincense, and myrrh 
As they followed the brilliant star - 
A scene filled with the promise of a bright miracle,
That lit the pathway to the Christ Child.

Pausing with quiet reverence, his finger found the shyest twinkle, 
Nestled in the lower horizon of the firmament,
Where a virgin named Mary fulfilled God’s promise.
There, in a small, modest stable, the greatest Gift 
To all mankind was born, in a manger of hay.

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Tina Robinson is a poet whose work has appeared in publications such as The Avocet Nature Journal and Time of Singing Christian Journal.  She is also the author of The Night the Heaven’s Introduced You, a book designed for baby reveals, baby showers, and new mothers. Tina is a contributing poet, providing carefully selected inspirational poetry for local funeral homes for use in memorial services and brochures. Her prayer is that her writing will be a tool to encourage, comfort, and inspire others in their daily walk with God.