The Christmas Story

By Cherri Fisher


'Twas the time of the census, and all through the land
The folks mounted their donkeys and traversed the sand.

Mary and Joseph of this law did obey;
Mary rode the donkey, Joe led the way.

A baby was due to arrive very soon -
On and on they marched by the light of the moon.

Joseph worried about the health of poor Mary;
They had to make time for they mustn't tarry.

At last they arrived in the populous city;
The folks they encountered gave nothing but pity.

Where could they go? Who would give them a room?
She was feeling the stirrings inside of her womb.

"Please," cried Joseph, "can we stay in your inn?'
The innkeeper said, "No." with a face of chagrin.

"Everywhere you go, every room has been taken."
Their faith ever strong, they would not be forsaken.

An innkeeper offered the use of his stable.
"So sorry," said he, "It's all I am able."

"We're happy to have a roof over our head,
We'll be comfy and cozy," was all Joseph said.

They'd no more than settled themselves down for a rest
When a baby was borne and the world was now blessed.

Mary laid the sweet babe in a little manger.
She and Joseph just smiled at their tiny stranger.

Their world was now different, everything had been changed;
According to God's plan it had all be arranged.

They named him Jesus, just as God had directed.
They would keep him warm, nurtured, safe and protected.

The sheep crowded in close, the cattle did too.
This child was God's gift, even the animals knew.

To the shepherds in their fields the angels came;
"A wondrous King has been borne, this we proclaim."

"Go now to Bethlehem and worship this child."
The angels now gone, the shepherds trekked through the wild.

A star they relied on to lead the way;
It shone on the baby asleep in the hay.

The wise men were told of this miraculous birth;
Gifts were packed on their camels - gold, frankincense, myrrh.

He was given by God to all of mankind
To save us from sin which we all are inclined.

So shout from the rooftops and trumpet your horn;
Merry Christmas to all, Jesus Christ has been born.