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!