Joseph's Prayer

I know it's a little late, but this was my Christmas Eve poem this year. 

Joseph's Prayer

Father, are you there?

Please answer my simple prayer.

I’m thy servant and will always be,

But I need to know

Is it of thee,

This child in Mary’s womb?

Her words are marvelous,

Incredible,

But for the burning in my heart,

I would put her away;

I would not believe,

Or ask thee now my Lord.

Yet, my heart yearns to know.

I want so badly to believe

That this is real,

That this burning I feel

Is of thee,

That the Messiah will come

To my house

As my son.

Yet it is too great

For me, a simple man,

To think on such things;

It is too noble

For my humble house.

I have nothing to offer,

No status to give,

Nothing save my heart

And my life

That is thine

And will ever be thine.

I cannot do such great a thing,

Save thou art in it,

And it be thy will.

So I ask thee,

Not in disbelief,

But in my need for strength,

Art thou in this?

For if thou art,

Then I will take Mary to wife,

And I will raise thy son,

For I will ever be

Thy humble servant,

Joseph.

Amen.

                   Jack Shirley