A Shepherd's Complaint

                                                                                                                     A Shepherd's Complaint

Once Herod realized that he had been deceived by the astrologers, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its environs. Matt 2:16

"Joyful news!" the angel said.

"The Savior has been born at last!"

But now with ashes on my head,

I weep and keep a mourner's fast.

Herod too had heard the news;

Men from eastern lands arrived.

They sought the boy who'd rule the Jews,

But Herod had a plan contrived:

"Go find him, then report to me;

And I will also give him praise."

Return, oh angel! Come and see.

Listen to the dirge we raise.

Weeping, wailing, cries of grief!

The blood of babies stains the ground.

Parents groan in disbelief.

Where's the savior to be found?

Tell me what you came to bring,

Dreadful angel of the Lord,

Tidings of a newborn king,

Or babies murdered by the sword?

If Mary's child had been the One,

He'd usher in the Savior's reign.

He'd claim to be the Father's Son,

In spite of Rome─in spite of pain!