'Twas the night before the first Christmas and all through the stable,
the animals were keeping as warm as they were able.
After saying good night with baas, neighs, and moos,
They'd just settled down for a long winter's snooze.
When outside the barn, they heard the latch squeaking,
as the door opened wide, groaning and creaking.
And what did they see by the starlight's bright glow,
But a man and a woman, with a donkey in tow.
The woman lay down on the straw the man piled,
and the animals saw she was heavy with child.
So they drew close around to ward off the chill air,
and drifted to sleep as they kept vigil there.
They woke with a start at a cry that they heard,
and saw a miraculous thing had occurred.
On the hay lay a Baby, brand new to the world,
his hair still damp, little fingers all curled.
He was wrapped up in rags in His straw manger bed,
and a shiny bright halo encircled His head.
His smile was so peaceful, His eyes held them transfixed,
with feelings of hope, joy and wonder, all mixed.
And the love that they felt-if they could share just a part,
they knew it could change the whole world, heart by heart.
They heard angels above announcing His birth,
singing "Glory to God and peace on the earth!"
Shepherds left the fields to come to adore Him,
and the animals, too, knelt down in the hay,
Knowing love was newborn among them that day.
As you ponder once more the Nativity story,
May you wonder anew at God's goodness and glory!

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

© Tina's Prayer Gate
October 10, 2012