In Bethlehem, beneath the starry dome,
A humble manger whispered of a home,
Where hope was born, in swaddling clothes so tight,
The world held its breath, for the day turned to night.
O wondrous night, when prophecy unfurled,
A virgin’s child would bring salvation to the world.
Mary, pure and blessed, held a promise divine,
Eager hearts awaited, as the stars all seemed to shine.
Her betrothed, dear Joseph, troubled in his mind,
Wrestled with doubts, the truth so hard to find.
“What of the child?” he wondered, torn apart,
But a vision came to him, deep within his heart.
An angel appeared, clothed in heavenly grace,
“Fear not, dear Joseph, embrace this sacred space.
For Mary’s child is holy, sent from Heaven above,
He’ll save the world with unparalleled love.”
So Joseph, in faith, took Mary to his side,
His worries transformed into love’s gentle tide.
He welcomed the mystery, the miracle so true,
And there in the stillness, a new hope slowly grew.
In distant lands where kings in wisdom dwell,
Three wise men observed a star, a celestial bell.
With gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,
They traveled far, their hearts in a fervent stir.
Through deserts wide, guided by faith’s hand,
They sought for the King in this promised land.
Each step a prayer, each mile a sweet song,
In the brightness of that star, they felt they belonged.
As they drew near, they marveled at the sight,
A child in a stable, born on this holy night.
With reverence and awe, they laid before him their gold,
Each gift a testimony of the love they would uphold.
Meanwhile, in the fields, shepherds kept their watch,
Tending sheep under stars, in the night so fraught.
Then suddenly shining, an angel appeared bright,
“Fear not,” said the messenger, “for I bring joy tonight!”
“Good news I proclaim, for a Savior is born,
In the City of David, a new hope is reborn.”
They hurried with haste, leaving all that they knew,
To worship the child, to witness the true.
With hearts filled with wonder, they entered the stall,
Kneeling before Him, they gave Him their all.
In awe, they beheld the miracle so sweet,
The shepherds sang praises, their joy was complete.
For Jesus, this child, would carry the weight,
Of a world crying out, for His love would create
A bridge over sin, a path to the light,
Through sorrow and darkness, He’d illuminate the night.
And one day on a cross, with arms stretched so wide,
He’d bear our transgressions, letting mercy abide.
His birth a beginning, the story unfolds,
In every tradition, His truth still upholds.
So let us remember this night ever clear,
The love that was born with the brightest of cheer.
In the heartbeat of Heaven, eternity sings,
For unto us a Savior, forever He brings.
From the advent of joy, to the cross’s cruel tree,
His life is the promise that sets our hearts free.
With shepherds and wise men, we gather to say,
In wonder we worship, in gratitude we pray.
By Pobp Murrell