~ Night Before The First Christmas ~

T'was the night before Christmas
and all through the town
St. Joseph was searching,
walking up roads and down.
Our Lady was waiting,
so meek and so mild.
While Joseph was seeking
a place for the Child.

The children were nestled,
each snug in his bed,
And the grownups wouldn't bother.
There's no room, they said.
When even the innkeeper sent them away
and Joseph was wondering
where they would stay.

He thought of the cave in the side of the hill
Let's go there," said Mary. It's silent and still."
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Made a pathway of light for their tired feet to go.

And there in the cave in a cradle of hay
The Savior was born
on that first Christmas Day.
The Father was watching in heaven above
And sent for His angels, His courtiers of love.

More rapid than eagles
God's bright angels came,
Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name.
"Come Powers, come Cherubs,
come Virtues and Raphael,
Come Thrones and Dominions,
come Michael and Gabriel.

"Now fly to the earth
where my poor people live,
Announce the glad tidings
My Son Comes to give."
The Shepherds were watching
their flocks on the night
And saw in the heavens an unearthly light.

The angels assured them
 they'd nothing to fear.
"It's Christmas," they said.
"The Savior is here!"
They hastened to find Him,
and stood at the door,
Till Mary invited them in to adore.

He was swaddled in bands
from His head to His feet,
And never did shepherds see a Baby so sweet!
He spoke not a word
but the shepherds all knew.
He was telling them secrets
and blessing them too.

Then softly they left Him,
the Babe in the hay,
And rejoiced with great joy
on that first Christmas Day.
Mary heard them exclaim
as they walked up the hill,
"Glory to God in the highest;
Peace to men of good will."

© Sister Mary Thomas