1 An unmarried mother gave birth in a stable, some saw a fulfilment of all they had heard, to others this story, the birth of the Godhead, was more than amazing, was frankly absurd. 2 Some delved into scripture and said that a virgin, was destined to carry a child who would grow to be a Messiah, salvation for nations, and others would question how history could know. 3 So back to the story, now Bethlehem beckons, a carpenter-pawn come to sign for the state, the bureaucrats needing a list for taxation and everyone hurries before it's too late. 4 A legend would grow up of shepherds and magi, no snow at this Christmas beneath a night's sky. A man who would die as a crucified preacher was born with sparse shelter as people passed by. 5 And so came the story of birth in a stable, of Bethlehem's journey, a virgin and child. And lost is the essence, the mystery and wonder, of God born among us abused and reviled. 6 Much later a soldier saw God in this prophet a man who would love to his very last breath the dying, the hopeless, those outside religion, and all those beside who had shared in his death. Andrew E Pratt (born 1948) © 2018 Stainer and Bell Ltd. 12 11 12 11 Tune: STREETS OF LAREDO; ST CATHERINES COURT
Category: Poems
UK?
Disunited, semi-detached, glimpsed darkly through shards... One day, perhaps, clarity will redefine this child's vision, re-assort the pieces... too late? © Andrew Pratt
Words, Images and Imagination – NOW PUBLISHED
To buy follow the link https://hymnsandbooks.blog/words-images-and-imagination-now-published/
This unique collection of original poems, watercolour prints and photos, all by the author, explores life in all its fullness – relationships, conflict, hope, time, age, memory and mortality. Reflecting the author’s upbringing by the sea in Devon, his training as a Marine biologist and his ministry in the Methodist Church, images of the sea and faith are lightly woven through its fabric.
A first collection of poetry and art by an internationally published writer of over 1500 hymns.

This fragile passing beauty – Remembrance – published a year and now recommended on Singing the Faith plus
hymnsandbooks.blog/2019/09/17/this-fragile-passing-beauty-remembrance-hymn/
This fragile, passing beauty…Remembrance hymn – New Link to performance
Hear this hymn being sung at This fragile, passing beauty
Early Autumn- Friend of the world…

Friend of the world, bright shining sun!
Reeling and dancing, life begun;
living and learning, climbing high,
soaring on wings as if to fly.
Friend of the ones we would despise,
fierce is the love within his eyes;
fierce in defence of poor or weak,
he offers love when we just speak.
Autumn is coming to the trees,
colour is drained from falling leaves;
darkness is covering all the earth,
His dance goes on, it finds new birth.
Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
© 1999 Stainer & Bell Ltd
LM Tune: MARYTON