Poem: # 1

"Overshadowed by the Cross"

Painting by Steve Seropian, 2009

"Overshadowed by the Cross"

"A Psalm of Mary"

Written by Robert L. Brannon, 2009

The words of Gabriel were very clear,

His name is Jesus, salvation’s near.

A light to Gentiles, that is He,

To Israel, Glory and Jubilee.

I look down and see Him in the crèche,

The Baby whom angels call, “God-in-the-Flesh”.

And I am sure their words are true,

A Savior’s born to make us new.

In Bethlehem is born this King,

The angels and all heaven sing.

And here I am, a mother-girl,

Watching prophecies unfurl.

My heart is a treasure-trove of awe,

As I watch my Jesus in the straw.

Then I lift Him from His manger low,

And count His fingers, and His toes.

As I lift Him up so very high,

The star of glory shines from the sky.

His body straight, His arms extend,

His shadow falls upon the pen.

Alas, what does His shadow cast,

This Babe in arms that I hold fast?

My soul is pierced! Oh, is all lost?

His shadow forms a Roman cross!

I cringe to think of death at birth,

Yet Jesus smiles in holy mirth.

Yes, Jesus has a destiny,

To pay sin’s price for you and me.

They’ll pierce You, Jesus, in the end,

You’ll pay our penalty for sin.

And how I love you, Savior-King!

Salvation’s song, I now can sing!