Bible In Poetry: Gospel Of St. Luke (Chapter 1) Poem by Dr John Celes

The disciples were eye-witnesses to
The ministry of Jesus and God’s word.
In Herod’s (The King of Judea) days,
There lived a priest by name, Zehariah
Of priestly division of Abijah.

His wife’s name was Elizabeth,
One of the daughters of Aaron;
Both lived a righteous life in eyes of God,
Observing all the commandments of Lord.
Advanced in age, they did not have children!

Zachariah entered God’s sanctuary,
To burn incense, while people prayed outside;
An angel of the Lord appeared and said,
‘Don’t be afraid; your prayer, God has heard.’

‘Your wife will bear a son, and name him ‘John’.
His birth will bring all gladness and great joy;
He will become great in the eyes of God;
While in his mother’s womb, he will be filled
By the Holy Spirit to bless others;
He will bring harmony in families,
Preparing people, befitting the Lord.’

‘The boy will not take wine or strong a drink;
He’ll bring children of Israel to their God;
He’ll go before him in Elijah’s pow’r,
To turn their hearts towards much righteousness,
Prepare a people, befitting the Lord! ’

‘How can I know? ’ Zechariah then asked.
We both are too advanced in years of age.’

‘I’m Gabriel, ‘the angel said to him.
‘God sent to announce this good news to you.
Although, you may believe not what I say,
They will be fulfilled in their proper time.’

The people waited for Zachariah;
They wondered why he stayed so long within;
When he came out, he could not speak to them;
They perceived that he’d seen visions inside;
He continued to speak to them in signs;
He gestured but remained mute all along;
His ministry al done, he then went home.

But after this, his wife conceived a child;
Elizabeth became five months’ pregnant!
She knew that God saved her from men’s reproach;
The Lord had protected her from disgrace!

When Elizabeth was in her sixth month,
The angel Gabriel was sent by God,
To town in Galilee called Nazareth,
To virgin who was betrothed to Joseph
Of the house of David in lineage;
The virgin’s name was Mary.

Gabriel said, ‘Blessed are you ’mongst women;
Don’t be afraid, Mary, God favors you.
Behold, you will conceive a son in womb;
He will be called ‘Jesus’ and will be great;
He will be called the ‘Son of the Most High’.
He will inherit the throne of David.
He’ll rule the house of Jacob forever;
There will not be an end to His kingdom! ’

Then Mary asked, ‘How can this become true?
‘I have had no relations with a man! ’

The angel said. ‘The Holy Spirit can
Make you a virgin mother of God’s son!
Behold your cousin Elizabeth too,
Has conceived a son in her ripe old age!
Although barren, she is in her sixth month;
All things spoken by God are possible.’

Then Mary said, “Behold, I’m God’s handmaid!
So may it happen if ’tis will of God.’
‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the lord.
My spirit in my savior, rejoices.’
The angel then departed from Mary.

So, Mary went to hill-country to Liz,
And entered the house of Zachariah;
On hearing Mary’s news, her baby leapt
Within her womb by the Holy Spirit.

She said aloud, ‘Blest are you ’mongst women!
And blest is the fruit of your womb, Jesus!
The mother of my God has come to me! ’

Mary said, my soul magnifies the Lord;
My soul rejoices in His direction;
From now, all ages will call me blessed;
The Almighty has done great things for me;
His mercy comes to all who fear the Lord;
So, Mary stayed with her for three months more;
And soon, Elizabeth brought forth a son.

When eight days’ old, they came to circumcise
The child and would have named Zachariah;
But Elizabeth said, “He’ll be called John! ”
No one was called John amongst her people;
Zachariah was summoned to opine;
The mute man also wrote on a board, ‘John’!
They all marveled when he began to speak;
All these things were spoken in Judea.

And those who took these words to heart, then asked,
‘The hand of God is with this child surely.
What will this child become in future then? ’

Filled by the Holy Spirit, his father
Zachariah then prophesied saying:
Bless’d be the Lord, the God of Israel for,
He has brought redemption for his people;
Within the house of his servant David,
He has now raised a horn of salvation.
Just as He promised through the prophets’ mouths,
The salvation from foes and those who hate;
To show us mercy, remind covenant;
The oath, He swore to Abraham father,
So that rescued from hands of enemies,
We may worship Him without any fear
And live in holiness and righteousness
All our earthly days before Him till death.
The child will be a prophet of Most High,
To go before the Lord, preparing ways;
And give knowledge of salvation to all
Through forgiveness of all their sins on earth.
And god’s mercy will dispel all darkness
And guide our feet into the path of peace.’

The child grew strong in mind and in spirit
And spent most days in desert till adult.