The heights were cold in the old bones,
the lowland warm
the desert hot in the day
and freezing by night.
Still they came, a parade
seeking God, who had called them
with a star.

Many a night huddled for warmth,
they sought other signs
but only a star in a cold bright sky
answered them with mystery.

Many months passed and many sights seen,
troubles overcome, sickness passed,
til Jerusalem’s golden dome blinded their eyes
and there they sought a King, born in a palace,
to a cruel ruling king.

Herod, short of temper as well as stature,
listened to their tale and saw the star,
sought for himself the God not seen,
he said, with not much truth.

A journey takes its time and weariness stifles joy,
but the star moved and rested on a poor home,
where they knelt before a babe,
and gave him their hearts,
and gifts that spoke of dreadful sorrows.

God spoke in their dreams of Herod’s desire
to find and kill the usurper
and so they left secretly,
from evil lurking,
with hearts full
and hope renewed.