There, 
 in the first cry heard from the stable,
 was no condemnation, *
 no judgment of sin.
 There,
 in that first cry 
 was only one thing – 
 and not only for the wise,
 or just the kings,
 or only for one,
 or just for the others – 
 but there,
 in the first cry heard from the stable,
 was a message for all humankind:
 a forever open invitation to the table. 
  
 *With gratitude for John 3:17