We see you on tables and on lawns in the cold,
in colors of red, blue, green and gold.
Mary's babe in swaddling cape,
quiet wonder on her face.
Mary, you look so serene,
far to pretty, much to clean.
We might think we know you well,
but if we listened what stories would you tell?
Of the dirt, the dust, the fear and shame,
the questions and every burning labor pain.
How many friends did you lose from your life?
oh, the grief when he no longer wanted you as his wife!
As we turn to walk away,
if we listen we can hear you say…
"I am real. Don't turn me into a story, a legend or a myth.
Let me be real and I'll show you how to love like this.
To love in spite of being afraid,
to love not considering the price you must pay.
To love when it might not be what you feel.
If you dare —- Let me be real!"
Looking back at that manger, shepherds bending to the ground,
no royal entrance to be found.
Joseph, you look so strong, so brave and true.
but do we really know what it was like to be you?
How many sleepless nights found you desperate and afraid?
How you must have grieved the plans that you had made.
How many questions did your mind, your heart ask?
How many times did you doubt you were up for this task?
As we turn to walk away,
If we listen we can hear you say….
"I am real. Don't turn me into a legend, story or a myth.
Let me be real and I'll show you how to love like this.
To love in a way that doesn't have to understand.
To love in a way that helps another person stand.
To love even in spite of potential shame.
To love when you might rather find someone to blame."
And the manger draws our attention again,
Where lays that baby filled with our sin.
Oh Jesus, so tiny, we cannot fathom the road you will walk.
The king of kings flogged, spit upon and mocked.
Grace to give and yet denied.
Came for love but crucified.
Laying in a cradle filled with straw.
Born to die. For one. For all.
As we turn to walk away,
If we listen we can hear you say…
"I am real. Don't turn me into a story, a legend, or a myth.
Let me be real and I'll show you how to love like this.
To love like you are unaware that life comes with so much pain,
To love not for self but for another's gain.
To love in a way that makes a difference for mankind.
To feed and clothe the poor and give sight to the blind."
If you see us as a myth or seasonal decor,
our lives are meaningless and our love is no more.
But if you believe and allow us to be real,
our Creator still lives and our love can still heal.
So live unaware December comes with such hurry and hustle,
celebrate Christmas without headache and bustle.
Because a baby came not in art, story or play.
But as a savior for every minute, in every hour, every day.
