A Christmas Poem

A decree was dispatched throughout the land
That all must return to pay the demand
The taxes were due, no excuses allowed
A girl and her husband was amongst the crowd

They travelled the long, tiresome and lonely road
When Bethlehem they arrived there was little to afford
The child that was ready within Mary’s womb
Could find no rest.... For the inn had no room

A stable with a manger in a corner, dark and cold
Was offered to Joseph and his bride to behold
Joseph swept and set the manger in a warm and safe place
For they were about to look upon our Lord and Saviour’s face

God had given us all a gift to be told
Three men from the east brought Him Myrrh, Frankincense and Gold
They had followed a star that was shining in the east
A star God had sent for every man, woman, and beast

This gift of gifts, this blessed child
Who was born of a virgin so meek and so mild
A gift so pure and without any stain
With us all on this earth for a while would remain

This precious Man, His life it would cost
He bled for us all so that we won’t be lost
His name we must praise, and the glory to be given
For the boy, became man, became Christ who is risen

He is seated on high, the Father with His Son
From the humblest of beginnings over evil He has won
From the one who was born in a simple worn manger
His hands are outstretched to welcome a stranger

So remember tonight what this season is for
Take the hand of the rich, take the hand of the poor
Look in their eyes as you mention His name
Be thankful, in His image we are all made the same

                                                                                                                  ~ Keith Fairhurst ~

Presented to the congregation of Chicopee Baptist Church
Christmas Candlelight Service... December 22, 2010