At the Manger

To the manger first came Mary,
With her precious newborn Son,
Seeking for a makeshift cradle
For her helpless little one,
Marvelling with awe and wonder
At the great thing God had done.

By the manger-side was Joseph,
Feeling puzzled and confused,
For those mysterious happenings
Which left his mind bemused.
Yet obediently accepting
The channel God's Will used.

To the manger came the shepherds
By the angel voices led,
With haste to see the Holy Child
In His humble little bed,
Rejoicing their Messiah
Had now come, as God had said.

In the manger lay Christ Jesus,
Such a tiny, helpless thing,
Yet the Son of God eternal,
And a truly royal King
Who came down from Heaven's glory
Grace to all mankind to bring.

From the manger went the Saviour
To the Cross of Calvary.
Through His death and resurrection
To set all His people free,
And bring glorious salvation
Now and through eternity.

At the manger we would worship;
Bring our gifts to Him with praise
To the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
For his wonder-working ways;
Then go forth to share with others
This Good News through all our days.

Honoria A. Groves