The roads were filled with people near the town of Bethlehem.
No place was found to rest at night; no room inside the inn.
Among the crowds two children watched, perplexed at what they saw.
Soon would come a time when all would view the world with awe.
Paul had just turned seven when the masses came to stay
to register for census as required in that day.
People filled the busy streets and wandered through the town
Wanting food and respite; a place they could lie down.
Little Ruth was six years old; her bright eyes took it in
as two exhausted travelers sought refuge at the inn.
The innkeeper then shook his head and pointed where nearby
a stable for the animals could keep them warm and dry.
Hand in hand they followed as the couple found their way
to the lowly stable for a bed made in the hay.
Near the stall, the children crept and soon began to hear
the cooing of a newborn child with mother sitting near.
She beckoned them come closer, a smile upon her face.
You wouldn't know the King of Kings was born within this place.
The tiny form lay sleeping in a manger filled with hay
while Ruth and Paul knelt wondrously on that first Christmas day.
As Christmas dawns upon us let everyone recall
the birth of Baby Jesus in a manger in a stall.
He was born to save us, this tiny infant child
lying in the loving arms of Mother Mary, mild.
Gathered close as family, hand in hand we pray
Precious Lord please bless us as we gather here today.
Bless the dads and mothers. Bless daughters and bless sons.
Bless the feast before us and keep us safely home.
Merry Christmas!
Copyright © 2011 Judith Shields Regini
