Gabriel's Poem

The third poem in the play, "A Christmas Celebration"
See my last post for an explanation...
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Gabriel’s Poem

Proud kings and fierce emperors wage their wars.
Nations rage and rebel through the ages.
Man thinks of himself, of himself alone
As wise ones, scholars, masters, and sages.

The sun rises then sets to rise again.
Wind pursues the south to whirl around north.
Rivers seek seas that refuse to fill up,
Returning to homes from whence they came forth.

Infants commence to grow up in this world.
Children enjoy its innocent pleasures.
Strong men, young women enter their sorrows.
Ancient ones find how short a life measures.

“Are we here for a reason?” man inquires.
“Is there hopeful purpose beyond ourselves?
Does life merely cycle and cycle on?”
Into these questions the human heart delves.

Though the years show the sky to be silent,
The plan of redemption is unfolding.
Carpenter, maiden, and shepherds make part
Of eternal ways God is revealing.

Take hope! Take hope! Lift up your sad faces.
Dare to hear the prophetic word of old.
To Bethlehem Ephratah God will come,
Just as the true prophet Micah foretold!

4th - 6th Grade Sing: Come Thou Almighty King
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Written by John Rush

These poems are copyrighted by John Rush 2005.
If you would like to use them, just let me know. I know they’re not the "end all" of holiday poetry and I’m not charging anything for my plays/programs. But I would like to know if they’re being used.