Advent Short Story 4
“Working Class Angel from Belfast”
I'm a working-class Angel from Belfast
A guardian type that God sends
to watch over young folk in Ulster
and that's quite a job at weekends
As a job, it's not that impressive,
and I know that it's sinful to boast
but I once had a moment of glory
when I sang with the angelic host
Me-in the choir-well I ask you
I was so proud I thought I would burst
Then Gabriel said “Right let's go then,
we've some shepherds to sing it to first.”
We flew in massed ranks through the heavens
And formed up on a cloud in a block
Then Gabriel went down to the shepherds
And the shepherds all went into shock.
But Gabriel said “Fear not lads,
I bring you good news of great joy
Your Saviour is down in the village,
in the form of a wee baby boy.”
Then he turned and he winked at us angels.
And we sang to proclaim Jesus’ birth
‘Glory To God in the highest
and peace to his people on earth.’
Louder and louder we sang it
Till I thought heavens arches would burst
‘Glory To God in the highest
and peace to his people on earth’
We sang and we sang till the morning
Tipped the gold of our wings with the sun
The shepherds had gone to the stable
And really our work was all done.
In heaven we all drank a cup of
the heavenly equivalent of tea
but I'm glad that we sang first to shepherds
They’re not special, just common, like me.
It's just like our Father in Heaven
To put on a right special do
Not for kings, nor princes, or posh folks
But for ordinary people like you
The end
©Richard Shepley
This poem brings our Advent short stories to a close, two Epiphany short pieces will be posted shortly. I wish you a happy Christmas.
Advent Prayer
Lord Jesus, long ago, prophets told of a king who would come:
A king like no other, ever-loving, just and good:
A king whose kingdom would be filled with love and peace:
A king to guide us in the ways of God, the way to live:
Lord Jesus, you are that king, be the king of my life. Amen
Common Worship
