Caesar had ordained a census -
each returned to his own city.
Two lone figures, tired and dreary
Came too late, the inn was full.
Born a King, yet first to shepherds
was the holy Birth declared -
"Peace on earth! To God be glory!
Go and see the infant Son!"
Born a Jew, but Eastern strangers
followed star, intent and steadfast,
opening their richest treasures,
worshipping the promised King.
But the world could not ignore him,
born to be the world's Redeemer.
Men of envy, spite and violence
nailed him to a brutal cross.
Cross of direst degradation
pardons all who humbly trust him
whom they could not thus evade,
risen glorious from the tomb!
Folks are pausing to remember
that a holy Child was born,
with the busy crowds ignoring
and but meanest room for him!
Nor could they nor us ignore him -
holy Child, victorious Lord -
disturbing Presence, calling, calling,
"Pardon, peace and joy receive!"
Loving Saviour, Judge eternal -
none ignoring, each declaring
if they'll have him or reject him -
still he stands, the Lord of all.
Quiet lay the infant Saviour
With a feed-box for a cradle.
Troubled world knew not his coming,
world's Redeemer, Lord and Friend.