It was a most unusual night   
An aura of celestial light 
Lit up the wide expanse 
Of grassland, valley, moor and mountain range 
 And in the manger where He and I were laid. 
 I found it strange - I the little new-born lamb 
 Awaited with bated breath. 
Should I bleat? Or hold my breath? 
In the barn where I lay, not a low, not a moo 
 A lowly couple – a man and maid 
A donkey too! 
Lo! and behold! A babe in a barn 
 A new born; like me, in a stable born 
He! the guiltless Lamb of God! I! the innocent lamb forlorn. 
We had much in common, He and I 
Destined for sacrifice, meek and mild 
 This Lamb of God and I. 
For Him I let out my first joyous bleat - my meagre offering 
 Breaking the silence of this retreat - the Lamb of God to greet 
 felt replete. 

By Jeannette Cabraal