“Why Do You Give the Baby Gold?” A Christmas Poem
The following poem is a beautiful expression of the heart concerning the Incarnation. Perhaps it could be used for your Christmas Eve bulletins. The poem was found on the bulletin of King’s College, Cambridge, for their Lessons and Carols service, 2007.
WHY do you give the baby gold?
The guiding star foretold a king.
A little child shall lead you, bring
No metal rich or cold.
Who brings my boy this frankincense?
The star foretold a priestly role.
A little child shall save your soul,
Not gifts of great expense.
What is this myrrh? What do you see?
The star foretold a bitter cup.
‘And I if I be lifted up
Shall draw all men to me.’
A child shall lead you from tonight.
The angel heralded his birth.
Our Saviour born to save the earth,
Our Way, our Truth, our Light.
Three gifts that far outweigh all gold
And gifts like frankincense and myrrh.
Sleep, child, my little comforter,
That no star has foretold.
PETER DALE
Enitharmon Press
