Catholic Replies
The First Christmas
’Twas almost the first Christmas
When the travelers arrived
In the town of Bethlehem,
A long journey survived.
They had left home in Nazareth
In the province of Galilee
To register for the census
At the emperor’s decree.
To the fabled city of David
Came Joseph and his wife.
The Child she was carrying
Would bring the world new life.
Long promised by the Prophets,
This Son of God Most High
Had been announced by Gabriel
To a Virgin most shy.
Mary at first was puzzled,
Wondering how this might be.
But said with trust in God,
“Let it be done to me.”
Nine months had gone by
Before reaching this place
To deliver the Savior
Of the whole human race.
No lodgings were available
For this momentous event.
Only a crude stable was ready
For the Messiah’s advent.
There were shepherds in the fields
During the birth of the Boy
To whom an angel announced
Good tidings of great joy.
Suddenly a multitude of angels
Broke through the night still,
“Glory to God in the highest,
Peace to men of good will.”
After the angels had sung
And the shepherds did depart,
Mary treasured all these things
And kept them in her heart.
Then three kings from the East,
Who had traveled quite far,
Came to find the Jewish King
By following a star.
They met first with King Herod,
Who was greatly disturbed.
The thought of another king
Had him very perturbed.
Taking the wise men aside
And in a tone rather mild,
Herod asked them to report
The whereabouts of the Child.
The star led them to Bethlehem,
Where they caused quite a stir,
And presented the Child with
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
After paying homage to Jesus
And being warned in a dream,
They stayed away from King Herod
And his murderous scheme.
The fury of King Herod
Was not pleasant to view.
He ordered the killing of all boys
Who were under age two.
But Joseph had been warned
That Herod had gone wild
Down to Egypt he went
With Mary and the Child.
They stayed safe in Egypt
Until King Herod’s demise
And returned to Nazareth
And watched Jesus grow wise.
The story of the first Christmas
Should be familiar to all.
It’s the story of God’s love
That we need to recall.
Getting presents is fun
As is all the good cheer.
Let’s keep the Christmas spirit
Throughout the new year.
A Blessed Christmas to All!