‘Twas the Night of Christmas

‘Twas the night of Christmas, and all through the stable,
Not a creature was stirring, in this true to life fable.
The hay was arranged in the manger with care,
In hope that the Christ child soon would be there.
The animals were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of meadows danced in their heads.
And Joseph in his cloak and Mary her gown
Had just settled in after walking the town.
When on the hay bed there arose such a sigh
Joseph knew at once that the moment was nigh.
Away to her side he flew like a breeze,
Picked up her hand and felt her squeeze.
The moon on the pile of new-raked hay
Gave a golden luster to all in its way.
What, then, to wondering eyes should appear
But a tiny child, in His eye a small tear.
With a bellowing cry so lively and dear,
Mary knew in that moment her baby was here.
More rapid than eagles both cried his name.
Baby Jesus! Yes, both spoke the same.
Now praise, now glory, now sing all ye host!
On shepherds, on angels—cry coast to coast!
To the top of the heavens! To the depths of the earth!
Now praise Him! Now praise Him for all you’re worth!
As dry leaves that before a wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky.
So into Bethlehem the shepherds they flew
To tell families and friends all that they knew.
And then, some time later, Joseph heard at the door
The scuffling of feet and loud voices once more.
As he straightened his head and was turning around
Three men appeared bowing their heads to the ground.
They were dressed in fine garments from head to foot,
And at Jesus’ feet this is what they put:
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh from their sacks
Were placed on the floor in three neat stacks.
Jesus’ eyes how they twinkled; his dimples how merry.
His cheeks were like roses; His nose like a cherry.
His pink little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the light on His face was white as the snow.
Heavenly anthems resounded like the wave on a reef,
And a mist encircled His head like a wreath.
He had an angelic face and dancing eyes
That sparkled on everyone—so young, yet so wise.
He was chubby and plump, a beautiful child.
And all smiled when they saw Him; all were beguiled.
The look in His eye and turn of His head
Soon gave them to know they had nothing to dread.
They spoke not a word, except their praise,
Presented their gifts, then eyes they raised, and backing out the door
Mounting their beasts, away to the East they did soar.
Mary looked down on Jesus and gave a low sigh,
For her mind saw Him hanging on a cross way up high.
But she heard Him exclaim, as she knew He’d die.
“For this was I born; yes, now you know why.” by Charlotte Hansen

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