When Mary was still pregnant, Augustus sent decree
That Rome should do a headcount of all in each country
Throughout the Roman Empire-each woman, man, and child.
The edict would require two more names be compiled.

So Joseph journeyed south from his home in Galilee,
With Mary who had become pregnant with a baby.
She traveled on a donkey for seventy hard miles
To where her husband's fam'ly had all their census files.

When they had come to his town, they settled in a stall.
For though they asked all around, they found no room at all.
So there she had her baby, the firstborn infant son
Of Joseph and wife Mary and God, the ageless One.

She wrapped him up in swaddling to keep His movements stilled.
And with His mother marv'ling, the beasts around him milled
And shepherds in the country kept watch over their flock
While angels sang the glory of Christ, that ancient Rock.

Today we bring you tidings of an infinite joy:
Your God is now abiding as a low, infant boy.
Sing glory in the highest and peace upon the earth
For God has sent us His Christ by lowly human birth.