Bethlehem

Struggling through the night, mile after mile

Now must they needs stop for a while

For the woman, young Mary, was heavy with child

Exhaustion ringed her eyes though the night be mild

The inn was full not a room to be had

Joseph held her hand saying Mary be not sad

The lord will provide for us and our little lad

We have a stable with fresh hay the inkeeper did say

With profuse thanks they entered to rest from the day

The cat sat next to the mouse with not a quiver violent

Lambs, sheep, cows, dog, and horse watching silent

Watching as the pregnant woman lay writhing

Peaceful acceptance and demeanor they were tithing

In heaven above angels kept watch over the two

Prepared to bring word to all those who

Had waited long years for this blessed night

When would be born He who would make things right

Joseph knew of the babe due he was not father

But this thought his calm soul did not bother

For his virgin wife was blessed by the spirit of God

To raise the child of heaven on this earthly sod

As the animals kept watch the woman lay in pain

Holy child about to come, Satan’s bane

Three men came to the manger following a star

Set in skies overhead to guide them from afar

Gifts they brought for the infant savior of man

Wrapped safely for the trek across the sand

Following the guiding star they found a stable

Inside the holy virgin without dinner or table

In the little town of Bethlehem on a bright calm night

They were blessed with a most heavenly sight

Angelic choir voiced the news to shepherds of the field

That the savior was come in Bethlehem, evil must yield

On a bed of hay on a calm blessed night

Mother of God and swaddled babe a holy sight

Guiding star unmoving in heaven above

Illuminated this sign of God’s great love

The three men bowed as angelic music filled their ears

Presenting their gifts as a holy choir soothed their fears

Shepherds leaned on their crooks, silent with awe

Knowing this night hardened hearts must thaw

For on this most blessed time in all of history

Was born the answer to man’s greatest mystery