Christmas Is A Star

 By Fr. Cedric Prakash, SJ-

Christmas is a STAR

Which hovers faintly from one inn to another

Accompanying a tired migrant couple together

Searching desperately for a place for the night

Doors are shut: no one cares about their plight

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

That shines on a stable on the margins faraway

There is but no choice for Joseph and Mary

Here however in a warm and loving manger

Is born the heavenly child who is our Saviour

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

That glitters brightly as the angels sing

Glory to God and to our newborn King

The message of peace is loud and clear

The shepherds respond without a fear

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

Which on that silent night just sparkles

As the shepherds, hasten across hurdles

To worship the Messiah with unbounded joy

They sing aloud to beats by the drummer boy

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

Which shines to guide the Magi from the East

They lose sight of it and they encounter a beast

But find it again and arrive at the right destination

And they adore him: the light of the nations

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

 Christmas is a STAR

That directs the Holy Family into Egypt to flee

They are refugees and what matters is security

Because for the child his time has not yet come

For the Father has sent him to preach the Kingdom

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

That challenges us today to live the good news

In small and big ways but with the correct views

To welcome the migrants, refugees and all excluded

Ensuring they are protected, promoted, justly integrated

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

Which beckons all to Service both humble and selfless

To stand for the Truth in a manner relentless

In attitude and in deed to be Available to all

To be a Reconciling bridge is a definite call

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

---

Fr Cedric Prakash sj is a human rights activist. He is currently based in Lebanon, engaged with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in the Middle East on advocacy and communications. He is the recipient of several international and national honours for his work on human rights, justice and peace. Contact: [email protected]