Devil’s Yule

Adoration of the Shepherds (1485) by Domenico del Ghirlandaio

O’ thou Ancient Star,

Fell to earthen quod,

Where now shall thou flee?

Seek thou neigh and far

Land hitherto untrod

Forto bury thy head under knee.

In vein thou hide thy face

For even shepherds spy

The light of Michael shone—

Yae, to torch His birthplace—

Cross the night sky.

O’ thou fool of fools!

It is pity if not glee

That thy Heavenly splendor,

Reducen to festering pustules,

Shall for mercy plea

Yet He for justice ignore.

So whilst the flame lick hooves shod

Clad shall His saints be in fleece,

That of Him for us sacrificed:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

All hail the child Christ.