Over two billion people across the globe are celebrating Christmas this year. I can’t help but wonder how many of them are simply celebrating a holiday without celebrating the birth of our Savior. Many are exchanging gifts and leaving the greatest gift unwrapped.
I pray they will hear and understand. Lord, help me to go and tell!
Manger Babe, I see you.
But are you anything more
Than a cheap Christmas symbol
On a shelf within the store?
Manger Babe, is Christmas
to just boost the retail earnings
But make me feel there’s something missing,
With empty, unmet yearnings?
I don’t understand.
Jesus with the sad eyes,
Your kind face beckons me near.
I don’t know if I should believe in You.
Some “Christians” aren’t very sincere.
Jesus, I’ve heard you suffered.
I can’t imagine pain that is worse.
Long ago did people say your name like today
As profanity with words meant to curse?
I don’t understand.
Thick Book, with language peculiar,
Your words seem strange and confusing.
I don’t see how your message is relevant
To the lifestyle decisions I’m choosing.
Thick Book, studied for ages,
Do you really hold truth for all people?
Or are you a piece of expected décor
In a house full of pews with a steeple?
I don’t understand.
Holy Spirit, I hear this strange knocking.
You’re at the door of my heart wanting in.
You’re at the wrong house. I don’t know enough,
But I’m making efforts to clean up my sin.
Holy Spirit, I’m trying to listen,
And it gets louder—your still, quiet voice.
The weight of my sin just gets heavier,
And you show me I’m faced with a choice.
I think I understand.
My Savior, in faith I hold up trembling trust,
And fling the door to my heart open wide,
And marvel at death and new life all at once
As You come and make your home inside.
My Savior, you sought me when I couldn’t see—
When I wondered but didn’t know how.
Now I look on You, Manger Babe, at Christmas this year
With a new heart. I understand now!
© 2025 Bobbie Perkins
