The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Hotel/Motel (09/12/05)
I was there the night the Savior came.
His parents at my door were firmly knocking.
Road weary and alone, in need they stood.
How could I know my inn would birth a King?

I looked into the face of that young woman,
and in her husband’s voice I heard the plea.
Behind me noise and raucous laughter echoed,
“I have a place of quiet. Come with me.”

I led them to the stable in the starlight.
The warmth of gentle beasts would soothe them there.
In labor Mary stumbled as we entered.
“I’ll send someone to help you. Rest in here.”

Into the inn I hurried and called quickly,
“Dear wife, please go, and help the traveling pair.”
“And would you have me leave the guests I’m serving?”
she questioned as I stood before her there.

“A baby will be coming any moment.
You must go. You are needed. This I know.”
Her eyes searched mine, and no more words were uttered.
Into the night my wife did quickly go.

Time passed among the drinking, joking rabble.
At one time I’d have joined them in their ale.
But on this night I felt a strange, dear yearning
to wait in patience in the starlight’s veil.

Under the sky I tarried, somehow knowing
this night was far beyond all nights before.
And then a shepherd from the hills came near me.
“I’m here to see the Babe angels adore.”

Though any day before I would have scoffed him,
within by inmost being I now knew
the Baby born in this my meager stable
was King of all, and Lord of my heart too.

A miracle of love is how I tell it.
Who can explain God’s ways to mortal men?
He spoke to me in whispers still as starlight,
and made a palace of my humble inn.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1861 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
09/20/05
This is beautiful poetry, nearly perfect in both rhyme and meter, and with a sweet message to complete the package. Bravo!
B Brenton
09/22/05
Jan's right. Nice message. Lovely and tingly in all the right places.
Debra Brand 
09/22/05
Lovely take on a beautiful story. Keep up the good work!
Anita Neuman
09/22/05
I'm not sure if it was the poetry picking up strength as you moved along, or if it was just the emotion of this beautiful story. Regardless, you did a really great job! Keep it up!
Pat Guy
09/23/05
Beautiful, just beautiful. A pleasure to read such a special poem. Great job!
Shari Armstrong 
09/23/05
Very nice! I liked seeing the story from the innkeeper's perspective.
Julianne Jones
09/25/05
Well done! As Jan said, almost perfect in rhyme and meter - just a few minor changes and it would be perfect.
Loved these lines:
'And would you have me leave the guests I’m serving?” / she questioned as I stood before her there.'
How many are too busy for Him or allow the world to distract them from serving Him. Beautiful!

Deborah Porter 
09/27/05
Linda, not surprisingly, this was lovely. I was judging last week, and you rated very highly with me. Keep up the great writing. You are a delight. With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)