How Far is it to Bethlehem?
FRANCIS CHESTERTON, RICHARD ALLAIN
Is it far to Bethlehem? Not very far
Shall we find the stable room, lit by a star
Shall we see the little child, is he within
If we lift the wooden latch, may we go in
May we stroke the creatures there, ox, ass or sheep
May we be like them and see Jesus asleep
If we touch his tiny hand, will he awake
Will he know we’ve come so far, just for his sake
Great kings have precious gifts, and we have naught
Little smiles and little tears are all we brought
For poor weary children Mary must weep
Here on his bed of straw, sleep, Jesus, sleep
God in his mother’s arms, babes in the byre
Sleep as they sleep who find their hearts’ desire