| A Christmas Twist We were born and raised in Bethlehem. We were firm friends and had lived in Bethlehem our entire lives and we were there on the glorious day that Jesus Christ was born. We saw the star in the sky, we heard the Angels sing and we saw the Shepherds, all of which pointed to the great occasion. We played our part, in fact, I might be so bold as to say that we got the place ready and warm on the day He was born. You heard about the manger where Jesus was laid, well I made sure that there was hay in the manger so that when Mary laid her beautiful baby down, He was comfortable. I like to think of us as the welcoming committee. I, for one, made sure that the area was tidy and, that no one made a mess and that there was extra hay to support Mary and Joseph when they had to sit and rest from time to time. I made sure that things were done properly because I knew that our little town was going to be put on the map forever……. ♫ O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see you lie! Above your deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by: yet in your dark streets shining is everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in you tonight. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King, and peace to all the earth. For Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the Angels keep their watch of wondering love. We all watched in awe as gold, frankincense and myrrh were brought in by the three wise men and presented to Joseph and Mary as gifts for Baby Jesus. It was an amazing sight to see. The wise men were dressed like royalty, someone whispered that they were dressed better than men seen in the courts of king Herod. The wise men were humble yet had many servants, wealth, and things I had never seen before. I felt as if the Heavens opened as the beautiful voices of the Angels rang out, announcing the birth of Jesus to the world…… ♫ Hark! the herald Angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.” Keeping the hay in the manger wasn’t easy. Not everyone understood what I was trying do and some felt that it should not have been left in the manger. But, I had a plan, you see, and I had thought ahead and put some hay to one side, which they could use and, which squashed their concerns. It was important that things were done properly and that the hay in the manger was fresh and clean. Call it premonition but I knew there would be no room in the inn just like I knew that one day people would sing…… ♫ Away in a manger No crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay. I am so happy for the role that we played in welcoming Baby Jesus We all felt the shift in the atmosphere that night We felt the significance of His birth and knew that our sacrifice, would play a part in the great sacrifice of One for many because our ancestors had spoken of this. You see, by sharing our home and giving up our manger We played a part in the story of the birth of the world’s Lord and Saviour That night, I told the others that “to whom much is given, much is expected” and explained that when God spared the lives of our ancestors in the ark with Noah, it ensured that we were spared. And so, could be of service one day And, that day is today The day of the birth of the world’s Lord and Saviour A day people will celebrate and call Christmas Day So, who are we? We are often featured on Christmas cards each year We are seen huddled together as we gaze upon Baby Jesus You see we are the animals that were kept in the room where Baby Jesus was born I made sure that the area was clean and we gave up our manger, and food of hay So that Baby Jesus would have a manger, in which, to lay Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Gladys Lawson www.gllpublishing.com (TGBTG) |
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