The Happiest Birthday Ever
A King was born two thousand years ago,
He came without pomp, without a show,
He was born amongst stinking straw
In a damp dark stable with a rank earth floor.
He was held aloft by rough carpenter’s hands,
Not even a midwife’s, just a man’s,
And as He breathed and cried out loud
He breathed in air that was quite foul.
I wonder how Mary felt
With no women there to help-
No water to wash her face and hair-
Just Joseph watching full of care?
Did Joseph feel he could cope?-
He must have felt out of scope-
For men delivering babies just wasn’t done-
And this Babe was special- God’s own Son.
I wonder, too how Mary felt,
Watching Joseph as he knelt
Searching out a place cleanest of all-
And found a crib: the cattle’s stall?
How sad the only place for her baby to lay
Was a rough prickling crib of hay.
How Mary’s spirits must have plunged
As she surveyed the dirt and dung………
But how she must have been revived
When she heard angels singing loud outside,
And what a great and glorious sight
As she saw the star which shone so bright.
Yes, such was Jesus’ lowly birth
For Jesus cared not for things of earth,
But rather of things of Heaven,
And from there those glad tidings were given-
For Jesus cared not about His poverty,
You see, for He was far richer than you or me-
For His treasures were those found in Heaven,
And can for us be freely given.
So I believe this humble birth
Was the happiest one ever on earth,
And we can all share the joy thereof
When we ponder on God’s way of showing His love-
The King of all eternity,
Born in filth and poverty-
Destined to bear all our sin
So that we can enter in
To life eternal, the greatest gift-
But I really have to ask myself if
People have forgotten the Babe of Bethlehem,
Have they really turned their back on Him?
And see only tinsel, gifts and trees
As if any one of these
Really honours Him on His birthday,
Because there is a better way;
Like going to church if you can,
Loving your Lord and fellow man,
Inviting Him into home and heart-
Take Christ’s birth setting for a start-
Don’t fret over earthly gain,
You’ll never have enough, only pain-
Concentrate on Heavenly treasure;
You’ll find blessings beyond all measure.
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
Luke 2:1-14 “ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ* the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
