SHE came to me at Christmas time and made me mother, and it seemed <br />There was a Christ indeed and He had given me the joy I'd dreamed. <br /> <br />She nestled to me, and I kept her near and warm, surprised to find <br />The arms that held my babe so close were opened wider to her kind. <br /> <br />I hid her safe within my heart. 'My heart' I said, 'is all for you,' <br />But lo! She left the door ajar and all the world came flocking through. <br /> <br />She needed me. I learned to know the royal joy that service brings, <br />She was so helpless that I grew to love all little helpless things. <br /> <br />She trusted me, and I who ne'er had trusted, save in self, grew cold <br />With panic lest this precious life should know no stronger, surer hold. <br /> <br />She lay and smiled and in her eyes I watched my narrow world grow broad, <br />Within her tiny, crumpled hand I touched the mighty hand of God!<br /><br />Isabel Ecclestone Mackay<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-christmas-child/
