THE WISE MEN
Poem by John E. DeCock
They came from the east and they followed a star
I think 't was not much light
Their journey so long for they came from afar
The Christ-child was born in the night
Now who were these magi, what caused them to go?
't Is a riddle and I have no clue
There are fables and stories, some think that they know
But is what they think really true?
But whatever they say, - around Christmas day
I'm sure you heard it before
The questions remain - "How come that they came
To the Christ-child so they could adore?"
Don't think that the riddle will be answered by me
Regardless how fast I may write
For I take the story from Mathew you see
No new revelation or light
But there must be a reason why God's word included
Why forever this story is told
And just in this season it is deeply rooted
Within our tradition that bold
The lessons I found - will turn this around
So don't throw this poem yet away
A devotional thought - that's just what I got
I hope it will help on your way
These magi or wise men, astronomers, kings
Had only the light of the star
And this was their wisdom among other things
They came even though it was far
Their journey was long but they followed the light
Regardless how rugged the way
They pressed to their goal by day and by night
No thing or no men did them stray
And that I call wisdom; it led them to freedom
Even though their knowledge was small
With searching and asking - and earnestly seeking
They did find the King after all
And when they had found Him they worshiped is told
Their treasures they laid at His feet
Their incense and myrrh and valuable gold
Great sacrifice from them indeed
't Was myrrh for His death, 't was gold for their King
And incense for He was their God
Together with treasures their hearts they did bring
To Him they surrendered their lot
And after they stayed - and after they prayed
No longer the star led the way
By God they were led - by a dream it is said
They'd learned God's voice to obey
Now set up your camels, your kings and your star
And all of the nice decoration
Sing old songs of magi that came from afar
And came with such great adoration
Get ready for Christmas with gifts and with food
Invite all your kin to a meal
With songs of the season get in the right mood
With ham or with turkey or veal
But whatever you do - know one thing is true
These magi were wise men indeed
I hope you will see - what Christmas should be
And that you will follow their lead
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