A Saviour is Born To Us

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, 'Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!'"36

Nativity of the Heart

My heart is a poor stable cave
Which housed the beasts at Nazareth:
Once cold and dismal as the grave;
A dark and dank stone tomb of death.

But then the Mother of God's Son,
With pangs of labor at His birth,
Sought refuge in my heart's cold stone:
She brought Her Son unto my earth.

Angels rejoiced at this New Life:
The Prince of Peace came from Heaven
To bring good news and end the strife:
Peace in my heart; good will to men.

Now my heart is a humble home
For Mary, Joseph, and her Son.
What was a cold and barren tomb
Now shelters the Anointed One.

The Babe is swaddled in my prayer
His Father watches over Him
His Mother rocks Him gently there:
God's family abides within.

My heart is a Nativity
Of joy and pure serenity.

(c) Paul Buis, 2000

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1. Luke 2: 4-14