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The Birth of Jesus:
Augustus Caesar gave decree,
With Quirinius, governor,
For Roman-world’s census entire;
Each one went home to register.
So, Joseph went from Nazareth
To Bethlehem, town of David,
As he belonged to David’s house,
With Mary bethrothed to him then,
Expecting child in near offing.
She gave birth to first-born, a son,
In manger as the inn hadn’t room,
And kept the baby wrapped in cloths.
The Shepherds and the Angels:
Some shepherds in the fields near-by
Were tending to their flocks at night,
When angel of the Lord appeared,
In heaven’s glory around them,
And spoke to them quite terrified:
‘Don’t be afraid, I bring good news
Of immense joy to all people;
Today in David’s town this hour,
A Savior has been born for you;
He is the Lord and Christ the King;
The only sign that you will find:
In manger, baby wrapped in cloths! ’
An angel choir praised God and sang
‘Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on whom God’s favor rests! ’
When angels left to heaven, then,
The shepherds told one another,
‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see
As Lord told us, the boy baby! ’
They hurried off and found Mary
In manger with her new baby,
And husband Joseph in manger;
They saw the divine child and spread
He news to people all around,
Who were amazed at what they told,
As Mary treasured these in heart,
And pondered at how things happened;
The shepherds glorified and praised,
God for the things they heard and saw,
Just as the angels had told them.
Jesus Presented in the Temple:
He was named Jesus on day eight;
(The time for circumcision then)
The name as told by the angel.
As per the Law of Moses then,
His parents took him to temple,
To present him, (the first-born male)
And offer sacrifice to Lord-
‘A pair of doves or young pigeons.’
A righteous, devout man, Simeon
Of Jerusalem awaited,
For consolation of Israel
With Holy Spirit upon Him,
That he would never die before,
He’d seen the Lord, Jesus Christ’s face!
He went to temple, Spirit-moved;
His parents brought the child to him,
And Simeon took him in his arms,
And praised God saying, ‘Sovereign Lord,
In way you had earlier promised,
In peace, your servant you’ve dismissed;
My eyes have seen the salvation
You’ve prepared for all people now-
Revealing light for both Gentiles
And for the glory of Israel! ’
His parents marveled at Simeon,
Who blessed the child and told Mary,
‘This child is pre-destined to cause,
The rise and fall of Israel’s men,
And be a sign spoken against,
As thoughts of many be revealed;
A sword will pierce your own soul too! ’
The daughter of Phanuel, Anna,
A prophetess of Asher tribe,
Had lived with husband for seven years,
Who eighty-four now and widow,
Worshiped at temple, night and day,
Fasting, praying without leaving;
She came to them at that moment,
And giving thanks to God, she spoke,
About the child as it would bring
Redemption to Jerusalem.
When everything was completed,
As required by the Law of Lord,
Mary and Joseph then returned
To Nazareth in Galilee!
The child grew up and became strong,
Afilled with wisdom and God’s grace!
The Boy Jesus at the Temple:
Each year, his parents took the boy
To Jerusalem for the Feast
Of Passover, as per custom;
When Jesus was twelve years old then,
They took him to the feast that year;
But while the parents returned home,
He stayed behind, but they didn’t know;
They traveled on for one whole day,
And thought that Jesus was with them;
Then they began to look for him,
Among relatives and close friends;
When they didn’t find him, finally,
They went to Jerusalem back
They found him after three days’ search
Amongst the teachers seated there;
He listened and questioned them well;
All those who heard, amazed were by
His understanding and answers.
His parents were so astonished;
When Mary, his mother queried,
‘Son, why did you treat us this way?
We had been searching for you long! ’
He asked, ‘Why did you search for me? ’
Did you not know I had to be
Then, in my Father’s house surely!
But they didn’t understand his talk!
He went to Nazareth with them,
And stayed obedient to them;
His mother remembered all things,
As Jesus grew older and wise,
And in favor of God and men.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 6-27-2007
Dr John Celes
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