The Real First Night of Christmas

'Twas the first night of Christmas a long time ago

the hillside was peaceful, the moon was aglow.

The world couldn't know from what happened before

That men would remeber this night evermore.

The sheep on the hillside...their days journey over

Were dreaming sweet dreams of a field full of clover.

the shepherds were watchful while guarding thei flock

The earth was their pillow, the stars were their clock.

The all of a sudden, they jumped at the sight

Of the sky all ablaze with a heavenly light.

They huddled in fear, then they started to rise

As the lightening-like flash tore open the skies.

The heavens were split by the silvery ray.

The dark disappeared and the night became day.

And lo, at the end of the rainbow of light

Appeared then an angel to banish their fright.

The angel brought news of a birth in a manger

And bade then to hasten to welcome the stranger.

For Mary had just given birth to a boy

Whose coming would bring so much comfort and joy

A choir of angels looked down from the sky

And heavenly voices were heard from on high:

Peace be on earth and good will to all men.

The Savior has come on this night, Amen.

The havenly angels then faded from sight.

The sky once again turned from day to night.

The shephers all quietly rose from the ground

And hurried to go where the child would be found

As they reached Bethlehem and the inn was in sight

From the barn came a trickle of half-hidden light.

It led like a path to a soft little bed

And shone very tenderly on a child's head.

The child in the manger was sleeping so sound

His eyes were still closed, as the shepherds stood round.

From that instand of grace on that night long ago

Thaousands of years would be warmed by the glow.

Guided by light from a bright shining star

Came a pilgrimage led of three Kings from afar.

They were dressed in the finest of satins and lace.

Their complexions were that of an Orient race.

The three wealthy kings were wise men and proud

But they went to the Christ child and solemnly bowed.

They came bearing treasures of incense and gold

To that sweet little child, still not very old.

The star in the sky twinkled down from above

The world was awakened to kindness and love.

The past was forgtten, the future was bright

And the spirit of Christmas was born on that night.

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