In Bethlehem
by Bernadette A Moyer

When Mary had her baby
There was no place to be
They had come to be counted
Each with a family
No one had expected
The town to be so full
Rough shelter turned stable
Amidst straw, smells and wool
Joseph said, “It will be okay”
Much better than the cold
The animals are gentle
This is what I have been told
Into the cave they entered
Quite happy for that warm space
Mary had her baby boy
God’s gift of love and grace

Soon after she nursed him
So tiny, sweet and special
They looked around to find a bed
A place for him to nestle
And yes they found a substitute
It was just a trough
For then they had no cradle
Just swaddling bands of cloth
So straw was used to cushion
Covered by a rug
Then little baby Jesus
Was placed there with a hug
Meanwhile on the hillside
Shepherds guarded sheep
Surrounded by a brilliant light
They were too scared to peep!

When suddenly an Angel spoke
In voice so crystal clear;

“Please shepherds do not worry
You have no cause to fear,
We Angels sing a message
This message with great joy
Please go in haste and visit
A special baby boy
For he has come to God on high
A present to this earth
He lies in a manger
From the stable of his birth.”

Where Mary had the Christ child
Was just right after all.
For God, had not planned a palace
But this warm cave and a stall.

Merry Christmas!

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