Revel Joyfully

It was on a cold night in Bethlehem that hope was born A babe lay in a manger as angels sang joyfully Above the nativity a star shone casting bright light Guiding the paths of three wise men to welcome our Savior As shepherds flocked toward the illuminated holy site The warmth from within still touches the hearts of all mankind In remembrance we pray for harmony among mankind As we celebrate the first Christmas, optimism born In the Mideast soldiers bow down, recalling this wondrous site For just one night thoughts of war fade, hearts are filled joyfully They lay down weapons, focusing on the birth of our Savior As they huddle together, sharing good will by camp light In many parts of the world, homes illuminated by light Peace touches the hearts of those who seek blessings for mankind Church bells ring, signaling the arrival of our Savior Souls are touched as the restoration of joy is now born Worshippers proceed to mass, sharing greetings joyfully If only each day could be filled with such a loving site How welcome to see the sun rise each day on such a site Hearts abounding with humanity from our inner light With angels in each of us sharing good will joyfully If I live to see such days, I’ll have new hope for mankind Trust and faith would emanate, celebrating a Child born A Child, a Leader Who would give His life as a Savior Cast aside the trappings, focus only on our Savior Keep in mind this first Christmas, a blessed and holy site How wonderful it would be to see new harmony born Differences seem petty as we revel in God’s light Join me in expectations for the future of mankind Like the seraphs let us sing out in hymns so joyfully Make our future one that finds families praying joyfully No greater inspiration than the birth of our Savior From a Blessed Mother’s womb sprang a babe to save mankind Let us be wise men, finding cause to worship at this site War and hatred cannot exist within God’s holy light Acceptance of each man’s worth can in joyful hearts be born Raise your hearts, revel joyfully in our Savior’s glory In cheer mankind recalls the site of a manger at night Where neath a star’s light was born a King, the Son of our Lord * Sestina written for the "Joy to the World" contest.