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!