It began with politics, as things often do;
some far-off ruler wanted more revenue!
Thus an idea began in his little head
which rattled around after he went to bed.

It was taxes that Caesar Augustus would raise
to fund his grand whimsies without undue delays.
"Tax my subjects! I mean it! There will be no exceptions -
(I find that it’s best to use clear directions.)

Tell my minions ‘get up, start making the trek
to get enrolled, registered – there’s no sending a check!’
They must pay for Rome's grandeur and marvelous highways
her aqueducts, stadiums, and her scenic byways.”

So at the stroke of Caesar’s mighty pen
went a young couple from Nazareth, down to old Bethlehem.
Joseph and Mary, people of no real estate,
two with so little save each their dear mate.

Mary, she rode sitting some less than pretty,
all the long, rugged way to King David’s city.
(Didn’t somebody once prophesy something, for Bethlehem?
Well, who cares – that’s where the tax man did send them!)

So they plodded along, at not too steady a pace
and often there was upon Mary's fair face
an expression of worry, or even of pain -
“just a bit further, dear,” Joseph said time and again!

For Joseph knew well that the child in her womb
was ready to come, and that it would be soon!
On his way now, this one precious boy
would be delivered to deliver us, our bearer of joy.

But alas, the day ended in fear and frustration,
for old Joe thought of everything but an advance reservation.
He'd packed up their so luggage so carefully
but hadn't bothered to book a B & B.

As evening approached, clever Joseph was able
to find for them shelter in a rude little stable.
And so it was there among bales of hay
a child was born on that first Christmas Day.

Not far away, from the heavens, going bonkers,
nearby shepherds saw a host of heavenly honkers!
Angels, bringing something to savor,
bright messengers of God's holy favor.

"Glory to God in the Highest!" they were saying
. "Here is the Peace for which you've so long been praying.
Here now it is! Now’s the time for the telling!
And News like this you can't really say without yelling!"

And then, just as fast as it had all started
the angels packed up their heavenly honkers, and departed.
The shepherds, too, soon got on their way,
for they resolved to this child, their respect they would pay.

And so they did find them, Mary, Joseph, with some cattle,
standing by Jesus, amid all the prattle.
The shepherds, they paused in reverent silence,
far from the bustle and commerce, the hunger and violence.

For all were amazed, and each one astounded:
their hope for new life was now newly grounded.
But Mary, she stood just off to one side
pondering mysteries of fear, joy and pride.

For more journeys lay before her, I can tell you, my friend,
and long roads for her son, before story’s end.
For no one then knew how Jesus would save,
or where his road led from that rough little cave.

No one, that's who, save for One: God on high!
His Dad knew for sure that this was the guy -
the king in the manger, born far from home
who would rescue his people, and never leave them alone.

For now all were as family to a Father so dear,
all who would hearken to the One we must hear.
The young the old ones, the scared and the bold ones
the dark and the tan ones, the white-as-the-sand ones.

All – yes, all - that’s the right number
God was thinking in Heaven, while down below they did slumber.
And He’s thinking it now, this new Christmas day,
for God loves us each in his own special way.

So now tell it near and tell it afar,
tell it in memory of the bright, shining star
to folks in the lands from Troutville to Tel Aviv:
“come and experience what we’ve come to believe!

Christ is born! Hallelujah!
Glad tidings right to ‘ya!
Glory and honor to Jesus, our King,
the One upon whom our deepest hopes still take wing.