WE saw Thee in Thy balmy nest,
    Young dawn of our eternal day;
We saw Thine eyes break from the East,
    And chase the trembling shades away:
We saw Thee, and we blest the sight,
We saw Thee by Thine own sweet light.

Poor world, said I, what wilt thou do
    To entertain this starry stranger?
Is this the best thou canst bestow—
    A cold and not too cleanly manger?
Contend, the powers of heaven and earth,
To fit a bed for this huge birth.

Proud world, said I, cease your contest,
    And let the mighty babe alone;
The phoenix builds the phoenix’ nest,
    Love’s architecture is His own.
The babe, whose birth embraves this morn,
Made His own bed ere He was born.

I saw the curl’d drops, soft and slow,
    Come hovering o’er the place’s head,
Off’ring their whitest sheets of snow,
    To furnish the fair infant’s bed.
Forbear, said I, be not too bold;
Your fleece is white, but ’tis too cold.

I saw th’ obsequious seraphim
    Their rosy fleece of fire bestow,
For well they now can spare their wings,
    Since Heaven itself lies here below.
Well done, said I; but are you sure
Your down, so warm, will pass for pure?

No, no, your King ‘s not yet to seek
    Where to repose His royal head;
See, see how soon His new-bloom’d cheek
    ‘Twixt mother’s breasts is gone to bed!
Sweet choice, said we; no way but so,
Not to lie cold, you sleep in snow!

She sings Thy tears asleep, and dips
    Her kisses in Thy weeping eye;
She spreads the red leaves of Thy lips,
    That in their buds yet blushing lie.
She ‘gainst those mother diamonds tries
The points of her young eagle’s eyes.

Welcome—tho’ not to those gay flies,
    Gilded i’ th’ beams of earthly kings,
Slippery souls in smiling eyes—
    But to poor shepherds, homespun things,
Whose wealth ‘s their flocks, whose wit ‘s to be
Well read in their simplicity.

Yet, when young April’s husband show’rs
    Shall bless the fruitful Maia’s bed,
We’ll bring the first-born of her flowers,
    To kiss Thy feet and crown Thy head.
To Thee, dread Lamb! whose love must keep
The shepherds while they feed their sheep.

To Thee, meek Majesty, soft King
    Of simple graces and sweet loves!
Each of us his lamb will bring,
    Each his pair of silver doves!
At last, in fire of Thy fair eyes,
Ourselves become our own best sacrifice!

Richard Crashaw’s “The Shepherds”: A Poetic Journey to the Manger

Introduction:
Among the many Christmas poems that capture the essence of the Nativity story, “The Shepherds” by Richard Crashaw stands as a luminous gem. Written in the 17th century, this timeless poem invites readers on a poetic journey to witness the humble birth of Jesus Christ through the eyes of the shepherds. In this blog post, we’ll explore the beauty and significance of “The Shepherds,” shedding light on the poet Richard Crashaw and the enduring power of his work.

The Poet, Richard Crashaw:
Richard Crashaw (1613-1649) was an English poet known for his devout religious poetry. He was a contemporary of poets like John Donne and George Herbert and was deeply influenced by the religious upheavals of his time. His works are characterized by their intense spirituality, vivid imagery, and emotional depth, making him an important figure in the Metaphysical poetry tradition.

‘The Shepherds’: A Poetic Masterpiece:
“The Shepherds” is a poem that transports readers to the quiet and awe-filled scene of the shepherds receiving the news of Christ’s birth. The poem masterfully captures the wonder and humility of the moment as the shepherds, lowly and unassuming, are visited by a heavenly chorus of angels. Crashaw’s verses paint a vivid picture of this divine encounter, evoking a sense of reverence and adoration.

Notable Themes in ‘The Shepherds’:

1. Humility and Grace: The poem underscores the theme of humility, as the shepherds represent ordinary people who are blessed with the extraordinary news of the Messiah’s birth. This emphasizes the idea that God’s grace can touch anyone, regardless of their station in life.
2. Divine Revelation: Crashaw’s depiction of the angels’ visitation emphasizes the idea of divine revelation. The shepherds are granted a glimpse into the heavenly realm, signifying the transformative power of faith and spirituality.
3. Joy and Wonder: The poem exudes a sense of joy and wonder that is central to the Christmas story. It captures the sheer amazement of the shepherds as they witness the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the arrival of hope for humanity.

Legacy and Influence:
Though Richard Crashaw’s life was tragically cut short, his poetry continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike. “The Shepherds” remains one of his most celebrated works, cherished for its spiritual depth and artistic beauty. It has inspired subsequent generations of poets, writers, and artists to explore the themes of faith, humility, and divine revelation.

Conclusion:
Richard Crashaw’s “The Shepherds” invites us to pause and reflect on the profound significance of the Christmas story. Through the poet’s eloquent verses, we are transported to that sacred night when the world was forever changed by the birth of Christ. In a time when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can easily distract us from its true meaning, Crashaw’s poem serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring power of faith, humility, and the miraculous joy of the Nativity.