THE LITTLE STRANGER IN THE MANGER

(What Christmas Is All About)

LESSON 57

INTRODUCTION

We at the School of Leadership shall close 2009 wishing each fellow-disciple a blessed Christmas. The following story tells the true meaning of Christmas - great sacrifice, unending love and God's arms opened wide to you and to me.

I wrote these words as a song - a ballad. Because it was written in English, the words will not rhyme in Spanish or other languages. However, the message is the same - God's wonderful love for you. As the Father sent His precious Son as His gift to you, may you offer your life to Him as a living gift. Have a Jesus-filled Christmas!

THE LITTLE STRANGER

The journey began a long time ago,

A couple all tired and cold;

They needed a place to spend the long night,

"But there is no room" they were told.

"My wife - she carries a babe in her womb,

Please give us a room if you're able;"

But they all shook their heads at the desperate man,

Except one who showed them his stable.

"I've no room in my inn" the owner said,

"Weary travelers are filling each bed;

But along with the beasts you'll find soft hay,

At least it's a roof o'er your head."

"I'll accept your kind offer," said the man,

"It's no use to travel again;

You see, my wife is pregnant with child,

And tonight she may be in pain."

No fancy room or baby crib,

Would welcome the Child that night;

Just a manger of straw with the beasts standing by,

A humble and pitiful sight.

But the baby was born - a sparkling boy,

"His name shall be Jesus," they sighed;

If the innkeeper knew Whom he had no room for,

He might just have sat down and cried.

The little baby that had been born,

Lay in mother's arms all curled;

And strange as it sounds, this little babe,

Had once made all of the worlds.

And long before the Child was born,

A star moved across the sky;

To guide the wise men from the east,

They arrived with their gifts by and by.

The glory of God shone round humble men,

Keeping watch o'er their flock through the night;

"Fear not" cried the angel, as they shook with fright,

And suddenly night turned to light.

"Glory to God", sang the heavenly host,

"Peace on earth and good will toward men;"

And the shepherds went rushing to Bethlehem,

To see the One heaven did send.

The news of the baby's birth did spread,

Over desert and river and hill;

No longer would God charge men with their sins,

The Little Stranger in the manger would pay the bill.