Nearly two thousand years ago my Lord, As child lay cradled in a straw lined bed. Shepherds watched in wonder, old faith restored. Messiah, King and prophecy now said By word of God and God made flesh in cave Of simplest beasts. Manger a resting place For newborn child of Man, who soon would save By shedding blood and flesh for human race. But of His mother's birth blood shed in pain We never hear or speak. Her sacrifice Was suffered twice and she had naught to gain. Did woman's flesh and woman's blood suffice? Would she could be model for both gender, She gave hope for all through self surrender.