The First Gift

The First Gift There’s news for the young and news for the old, And news for a world lonely and cold, And down through the ages this story’s been told How Love was revealed to all. Into the world that was full of strife God told Mary that she would give life To a boy-child, and become Joseph’s wife And not to be afraid, at all. In order to keep the law of the land, They traveled in winter over hills, rocks and sand. To Bethlehem they went, hand in hand But there were no rooms for them all. The inn keeper said, ‘I’ve no rooms inside But out here there’s a stable; around the side, So in you all come, it’s dry and wide. They all trooped inside, one and all. The donkey and ox shared their bed in the straw. Joseph spread their blankets over the floor He put hay in the manger, and then saw Mary give birth in the stall. He went to her side and beheld the sight. In wonder he helped her through the long winter night. They placed the babe snug and tight In the manger; He slept through it all. The first to hear were watchers of sheep Wrapped up in their robes, their watch to keep, Staying awake, they did not sleep, Until the sun appeared over all. While they sat in the fields all through that night, The light from a bright star gave them a fright, Until the messenger came within sight, And pointed the way to the stall. This brightest star shone across every nation; It showed the way on this special occasion, For three wise of men, who with elation, Followed this star to the stall. First shepherds, then kings entered the door Of the humble stable, where Jesus they saw, Among lowing cattle, in a bed of straw; God’s brightest star; born for all. Each offered their gifts to the one who would give His life, so we might know how to live. When we do wrong, with love He’ll forgive, So we can forgive one and all. At Christmas time, like that first gift from heaven, There’s love received with each gift that is given, Wrapped in fine paper and sparkling ribbon, To remind us God’s love, shines for all. The words set to rhyme and rearranged, This story throughout time, unchanged. Just as God's love has never changed, It is here and now for all. written by Wordancer