The crisp, cold air enveloped all the travelers that night.
Weary from their journey, they had sought the village light.
All the rooms were filled; there was no place where they could rest.
So in the stable by the inn the travelers’ did their best.
The animals had long since closed their eyes and settled down.
The lights were dimmed; folks were resting all around the town.
As Mary and her husband rested there, the time drew near
And in the quiet of that night, God’s little son appeared.
Mary wrapped her son in swaddling cloth to keep him warm.
Joseph stood nearby the two, protecting them from harm.
They laid the precious child of God in a bed of straw
And hovering o’er his manger, they gazed at him in awe.
The infant child peered up at them and soon was fast asleep.
Mary waited near his crib her vigil now to keep.
Soon the silence of the night swathed the little place.
A simple stable had become the dwelling of God’s grace.
Before long the village folk awoke only to hear
God’s angels sing, “Joy to the World! Come now and draw near!”
They were fearful then surprised by all the brilliant light.
Something strange had made the sun shine in the dark of night.
Three kings came to Bethlehem traveling from afar.
They had found God’s newborn son by following a star.
The kings presented him with gifts of frankincense and gold.
Then all knelt before God’s child his presence to behold.
God sent Jesus to the earth in the quiet night
He was born a holy child to set the world aright.
So we sing our songs of joy on every Christmas morn,
Recalling how in darkest night, the King of Kings was born.
Copyright © 2004 Judith Shields Regini
