Silent and Holy

Cold and clear, every star shining bright;
the old barn door caught my eye-
Christmas Eve, silent and holy-
It's not Bethlehem, but peace is nigh

Not a sound could be heard;
Was this the hour of his birth?
There were no trials in this moment for me-
just a soulful joy; and a quiet earth

A cooing dove in the dark of night;
Was it the voice of the Wise Men, Three?
A breeze fell lightly upon my cheek; but
not a leaf would stir that I could see

The shutters squeaked in high pitch tones;
Was this the cry of the infant child?
A sigh slipped whisperingly through my lips;
and again went silent and mild

Shadows formed around the yard;
Was this the Angels that hovered near?
I felt a warmth surge through my soul-
then filled my eyes with tears

The old porch swing rocked back and forth;
Was this the manger in which he slept?
A winter's night frost covered the ground-
while I stood there and wept

The sun rose brightly above the trees;
Was this his shining light?
It was a celebration of hope and promise;
on a long ago Christmas Eve night

© Lisa Hilbers
12/6/2005