Hold

Click For Audio Version

⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 NKJV

HOLD

I wish I could have held you,

if only for a moment,

while Mary dozed,

while Joseph was busy with the fire.

I wish I could have held you,

while the shepherds whispered amongst themselves

and headed home,

and things were quiet.

I wish I could have held you,

not as Lord of the Universe,

I wouldn’t have dared,

but as a baby who needed my comfort.

I wish I could have held you,

if only for a moment, while you slept,

before you opened newborn eyes

toward all that would lie ahead,

before the tomorrows of flights to Egypt

or wise men visitations.

I wish I could have held you,

and hummed softly for you,

the remembered tune of angels’ songs.

I wish I could have held you when

the animals’ lowering made you stir in your sleep,

or thoughts of what terrors lay ahead for you

frightened your baby dreams.

I wish I could have held you—but I couldn’t

and I didn’t.

And while tears filled my eyes,

softly whispered in my heart,

I heard YOUR words,

as YOU said to ME,

“I wish I could hold you.”..

And I let you, Lord.

…forever….