Not in a house, but in a stable bare, Where flocks of sheep were standing all around, With Joseph—husband given by God's care— The young Mother stopped on that hallowed ground.
The time had come for her to give birth then, But in the inn there was no room to stay, No cloth to wrap the Infant in, and when She saw these trials, she bore them that day.
He spread for Mary straw upon the floor, Not a true house, but an old, humble shed. They fell asleep, worn out from journey's lore, For many days of travel lay ahead.
Thus Mary came unto Bethlehem's way— God's Word must be fulfilled in all its might: That ancient dream should see the light of day— God, the Eternal, sends His Son's pure light.
Now toilsome roads stretch wearisome and long!.. And rest flows gently like a quiet stream... In midnight hours, the labors came along— And in the Virgin birth became His dream!
The mother's heart is filled with joy divine, She clasps her son unto her aching breast. No words can voice a rapture so sublime, A joy from heaven, holy and so blessed!
The sky shines blue as if in frozen night, The stars above gleam brilliant and clear. In Mary tears of gladness shine so bright, Yet all around seem sorrowful and drear.
A bright star shines resplendent in the sky, From heaven flows the choirs' angel song— This night is hallowed by the Lord Most High— A wonder worked, to which all wonders long!
The Savior in poor manger-bed was born, In human flesh the God of all appeared, That every soul might find in Him that morn Salvation's path and cleansing, long revered.
So tell me: has Christ in your heart been born? Have you prepared for Him a place to stay? God in His human form came that morn— Yet did you pass Him heedless on your way?
All passes like a wave so briefly spent, All flies away into oblivion's deep, The grave shall claim the flesh in final tent... Did you provide for your eternal keep?
