This poem was first written up as a group participation activity, just a fun way to include everyone’s inner poet. At the end of the couplet, the audience is given the opportunity to fill in the rhyme. Suggestions are given, but there’s always room for creativity!
The Christmas Story
Together tonight we’ll tell
A story that’s wondrous to hear
I will say my part
And you can make it clear.
Each part of this story
Will be told in a rhyme
And then I’ll stop and wait for you
So you can finish up the line.
In Nazareth, a long time ago,
Mary was engaged to Joe.
An angel came with a message to tell:
The angel’s name was Gabriel.
The angel told the young girl Mary
That she was to bear a special baby.
“God loves us all and greatly he pleases.”
The messenger said – “Name the child Jesus.”
But when the time had nearly come
Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem.
For the emperor issued a world-wide decree.
“Taxes from all, I demand!” said he.
When they got to the town, to their dismay
They found there was no place to stay.
After searching long, Joseph was finally able
To find shelter with animals in a stable.
And in that place, in lowly birth
He came to us, king of heaven and earth.
Out in the fields, while watching their sheep
Shepherds were nearly falling asleep.
When angels round them began singing just then
“Glory to God, peace on earth to all men.”
“in a manger,” they sang, “the babe may be found
In swaddling clothes he has been bound.”
“Though this child may appear like any other one
He is our Saviour, Christ the Lord, God’s own Son.”
The shepherds, seized with great curiosity
Hurried to Bethlehem, this child to see.
When they saw him they were amazed
And coming home, God’s name they praised.
In a far Eastern land, three wise men watching nightly
In the dark sky saw a star, shining so brightly.
Of all the stars, its splendour was best
And it shone brilliantly towards the West.
“It must be a sign, the sky so to adorn
Surely somewhere a king has been born!”
“We must go and see, we must follow the star
We will follow the star, no matter how far.”
The star guided them on and on
Until over the house in Bethlehem it shone.
Then from their camels, they dismounted with joy
They gave their gifts, and worshiped the boy.
Of this child’s life I’ve told only the beginning
Wonders more we could be singing.
Of his life, and his death – how great was his love!
How he was raised and ascended to heaven above.
But for this evening, for now, my friend.
This poem, like all mortal things, must come to an end.
Trudy Prins
