From Pershore Abbey magazine – if this fits any Christmas features you are preparing, feel free to use it! Colin Reeves, Editor

S-s-s-several sleepy shepherds sat…

… in sandy scrub, savouring supper and safeguarding snoozing sheep. Suddenly, scores of superbeings shone in sunless sky, singing sensationally of sanctity and salvation. “Seek Saviour,” said some – so stunned shepherds stuttered

“S-S-S-certainly”, setting sights on star-soaked shed.

Inside, a saintly sister, sired supernaturally, settled in straw, sighed and issued Saviour son. Spouse, shepherds, sheep and sows saw such a special sight, standing silently, not suspecting subsequent shame, scourging and sacrificial slaying.

Sadly, a sadistic suspicious sovereign sought spies, saying “Seek and slaughter small sons.” Some seers, sent by Spirit to satisfy star signs, sidestepped sneaky sortie, supplied instead significant symbols of sanctity.

So, several centuries since, souls seeking secrets of saintliness or solutions to sadness, suffering, social strife and sinfulness, should scour Scriptures – and seek succour in same sweet Saviour.

 ©Copyright Pershore Abbey 2003. Reproduction free.