by John W Cook

T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the earth
God's people were waiting the time of Christ's birth.

The various prophecies, God-given with care
Came to pass on one night in Judea there.

The people were scattered through Israel's land
Paying their taxes at Caesar's command

Young Mary, with Joseph, espoused to be wed,
Descendants of David to Bethlehem sped.

T'was late in the evening they arrived there that day
They found at the inn there was no place to stay.

Away in a stable, no place for a guest,
They settled that couple, to find them some rest.

The star in the sky shone unusually bright
To herald the event to take place that night.

When there, on the hay, her time now full come,
The virgin, dear Mary, gave birth to God's Son.

With no crib to lie in, a stable for sheep
Became for our Saviour a place for His sleep.

Moreover, that night in a field calm and still
Rough shepherds were resting serenely until

Through the dark of the sky God's glory shone round.
All quaking and frightened, they fell to the ground.

To these as they trembled God's messenger came
Good tidings of great joy to all to proclaim.

"For you on this day in the city close by
A baby, your Saviour, in a manger does lie.

So go to the stable, the baby you'll find.
In swaddling clothes He lies there entwined"

And then in a twinkling 'twas heard through the air
The praise of the angels assembled up there.

To God in the highest all glory and praise,
Goodwill amongst men and peace through their days."

When the angels returned then to heaven above,
There stood the shepherds amazed by God's love.

A moment they wondered, then hastily ran.
Found Mary and Joseph and God's gift to man.

The baby, named Jesus. man's Saviour from sin,
Had come as was promised, His work to begin.

His eyes not quite opened how much they would see
Of hatred and failures, of man's misery.

The shepherds, the wonder, made known as they went,
Told all of the Gift that to mankind was sent.

The star, that same star that proclaimed His birth,
Was shining for people all over this earth,

The wise men, they saw it and knew what it meant,
The Saviour God promised this world had been sent

They left all to find Him. a baby, 'tis true:
He came as their Saviour; He came for us too.

Once more it is Christmas. the time of Christ's birth.
A holiday season: is that all it's worth?

No, there's hope in this message, forgiveness from sin
For those who receive Him, who let Him come in

Let's remember HIS birthday, let's celebrate right
Merry Christmas to all. to all a good night.