The Call of a Shepherd's Song

"The Call of a Shepherd's Song" by Michael Doyle is about faith and the essential meaning of Christmas and is dedicated to his daughters, Angelique and Sierra. Each segment compares negative traits in people with the positive qualities spoken of in the Bible; this results in a call to follow faith, love and discipline. Rather than accepting the exaggerated Christmas traditions of gluttony, envy, lust, greed, wrath and sloth, Part I calls for moderation, kindness, purity, charity, patience and perseverance. Part II highlights how we should live each day with love, just as Christmas teaches us through our good actions. In "Advent's Adoration" and "Thanksgiving Pause," the poems teach readers about love, humble attitudes and gratitude through references to biblical teaching. For example, "Under the Potter's Hands" and "On the Altar of My Life" look at how God shapes us and encourages us to give up some things for our faith, using artistic language and thoughtful topics.