A Poor Welcome
No church bells rang in BethlehemThe night of Jesus' Birth,
But animals would welcome Him –
Our God come down to earth!
No baby shower did they hold
To meet this Baby's need,
But He arrived, as angels told,
In poverty indeed.
No satin sheets or lacy trim
Adorned His infant bed,
Rough wood and straw was given Him
To rest His tiny head.
No Christmas Tree aglow with light,
No tinsel shining there;
But one bright star shone in the night
Over the stable bare.
No organ with cathedral choir
Great Christmas carols sang,
But at the hillside shepherd's fire
The glad announcement rang.
No Santa Claus be -ribboned gift,
But wrapped in flesh just then,
The Son of God came down to lift
The souls of sinful men.
From Manger to a cruel Tree
And nails that His flesh tore,
My Saviour suffered so for me,
When all my sin He bore.
But now He reigns upon His Throne
In Heaven's glory bright,
And looks for hearts to call His own
Where He may bring His Light.
O welcome, Jesus! Come to stay;
Reside, dear Lord, with me.
Live out Your life in mine each day,
And all eternity.
Honoria A. Groves
December, 1990
