By God's Decree

Emperor Augustus made a decree No option was given to disagree Each person must travel to their own town To take the census ordered by the crown The census occurred to figure the tax Emotions were tense, no one could relax Though family matters called for delay Joseph made the decision to obey They made the journey, Mary great with child Up to Bethlehem, now busy and riled Unable to acquire a resting place A stable was located by God’s grace In this environment, rude, cold, and cruel A baby was born, a heavenly jewel In that lonely barn smelling of manure They fashioned a bed for this child so pure In the atmosphere of Caesar’s command The crowds failed to notice what God had planned To accomplish a mission of high degree God sent His son as heaven’s deportee But to the shepherds on the hillsides near A throng of singing angels did appear Their voices could not hold back the story, Of His majesty, purpose, and glory This child would address man’s misbehavior Through sacrifice, forgive, be our savior Deliver us from sinful sways and strays Bring peace to all who would follow His ways The shepherds hurried to town with great glee One so marvelous they wanted to see Seeing, they reported all that they knew Jesus is His name, He came to save you.