Calysta Rose Anderson (1-27-99 / Bethlehem)

As I lay in my bed
Longing for sleep to take me
A strange vision formed in my head

In my vision, I looked on from above
As angels walked the Earth
But they showed no love

They slaughtered in cold blood
All that were convicted of temptation, violence, and sin
And left them, writhing, in the mud

I was terrified
As I watched them die
I cried bitter tears
I covered my eyes

I was held fast by a hand, and the beating came like rain
I saw in their eyes the promise of my death
And was led, also, to the altar
Where so many had been slain

Just as the sword was raised above my head
A lone figure ran to the fierce angels
And cried, 'Take me instead.'

I was let go, and the angels sneered at the man
How could He be so foolish?
They beat Him 'till His blood ran

No, it was agony to watch!
A man was giving up His own life for me
He was the only one who did not have to die
He was setting me free

And I finally understood
As the angels backed away in fear
The man had died for everyone's sin, and because He could
He would rise again

I had been dreaming
Yet I knew the dream had truth, and I recall
Picking up my Bible, and reading
Of Jesus, the Savior of us all.