Now Caesar Augustus, the big Roman boss,
Said, “All must register, no matter the loss.”
A census was coming, a count far and wide,
So people packed bags and went for a ride.
It happened while Quirinius governed the land,
And Joseph got moving, as Rome did demand.
He came from King David, that great royal line,
So travel to Bethlehem was perfectly fine.
He brought along Mary, his bride-to-be dear,
Expecting a baby quite soon, it was clear.
From Nazareth toward Jerusalem they went,
With a donkey and possessions as if they’d been sent.
Farther south in Bethlehem, they looked high and low,
But the inns were all full, leaving nowhere to go.
At last they found shelter where animals fed,
And there in a manger Jesus had his bed.
Not a crib made with blankets or pillows or fluff,
But a manger with hay—not cozy, but tough.
Mary wrapped him up tightly, all snug in a wrap,
And laid him right there for his very first nap.
Now out in the fields under star-studded skies,
Shepherds tending their flocks had sleep in their eyes.
Then an angel appeared, making the sky so bright.
The shepherds just froze at the breathtaking sight.
“Don’t be afraid,” the angel said with cheer,
“I’ve got great news the world needs to hear.
A Savior has been born, the anointed one.
See the Messiah and the miracle God’s done.
You’ll find him in a manger filled with hay,
A baby wrapped cloth, where the animals stay.
The Savior has come, He is here on this day—
God’s gift to the world in a humble display.
Then whoosh! In the sky, a whole heavenly crew
Showed up in bright light and voices so true,
Saying, “Glory to God,” in such a heavenly song.
“And peace here on Earth, where good hearts belong.”
Suddenly they were gone, and the sky went dim.
The shepherds all said, “We should go find him.”
They hurried into town, not a moment to spare,
And found Joseph, Mary, and the baby right there.
They told about the angel and how they’d been so afraid,
About all that happened where their sheep might have strayed.
And Mary? She listened and treasured that night.
Those words in her heart glowed with God’s holy light.
