Welcome in the Stable

There was welcome that day in the stable
When the innkeeper was not able
To find another shelter for His head.
Though it was so drear and lowly,
It sheltered Christ, the Infant Holy,
As He lay where the oxen had been fed.

Creation's Lord did not feel rejected
Or resentfully neglected
By such an inauspicious birth;
But nurtured in a Virgin's womb,
He came thus to a worthless home,
Emmanuel, Our God come down to earth.

His Spirit still will search and knock
At hearts that constantly we lock;
Be He is waiting patiently
For sinful hearts He does not despise,
But looks with love and longing eyes
For a welcome open door to see.

Let's welcome the Christ Child to our stable,
For He's the only One who's able
To cleanse and fill each needy soul.
His Star brings warmth and joy and light,
So darkest places may be bright,
And every sin-sick spirit whole.

Honoria A. Groves