WHAT IF I HAD BEEN THERE?

A few evenings ago I was in the livingroom, looking at the Nativity I have had for years.  The little shelter is made of wooden pieces and the characters of ceramic.   A tealight flickered behind the angel and as I watched, it seemed that the ceramic figures came to life.  

And I began to wonder..."What if I had been there?"



WHAT IF I HAD BEEN THERE?

What if I had been there
On that first Christmas Day
Would I have offered shelter
Or turned weary ones away
Would I have offered comfort
A warm crusty loaf of bread
Would I have given all I had…
What would I have said?

If I had heard a baby crying
Or heard a Mama's prayer
What if I had been there
What could I have shared
What if I had been there 
To kiss His tiny face
What if I had been the first 
To claim Amazing Grace?

What if I had been there
On that sweet night so still
What if I had been
A shepherd on a hill
Would I have gone running
To the stable's glowing light
Would I have made a difference
In one family's life?

What if I had been there
A so-called wise man from afar
Traveling long and in despair
Chasing some great star
What if I had been there
And had brought a gift of gold
Would it have been a selfless gift of love
Or a gift to save my soul? 

What if Mary had needed me
Would I have helped a stranger
What would I have given
A  Baby in a manger
What if I had been there
To see that newborn lamb
What if I had been there
To find out who I am?

What if I am there right now
And see the need each day
What if I know someone
Who struggles in every way
What if I live near a child
Who goes to bed with hunger

What if I do all I can
So I never have to wonder:

What if I had been there?
What if I had been there?

WHAT IF I AM THERE RIGHT NOW?



WHAT IF I HAD BEEN THERE?
by:  Sister Saxon - 2015


MERRY CHRISTMAS!