The Christmas Story In Verse

The Christmas Story In Verse by Ralph E. Dinger

In the days of Augustus, who was Caesar that year,

A decree was sent out to towns far and near,

That all over the world the people must go

To the place of their fathers their faces to show.

So Joseph, the carpenter, from Nazareth town,

Located in Galilee (of little renown),

Took Mary, the Virgin, so meek and so mild,

Who now was quite burdened with Heavenly Child,

And went to Judea—to Bethlehem town

To tell who he was and write his name down.

While they were in Bethlehem, something took place

That showed all most clearly the extent of God’s grace.

Mary, the Virgin, gave birth to a Son—

Her firstborn—the promised Messiah had come!

On that blessed night, in fields near the town,

To certain poor shepherds and angel came down.

A light shown around, making night seem like day.

The shepherds were frightened, and filled with dismay.

But the angel spoke kindly, “Fear not, for behold,

I bring you good tidings that have long been foretold.”

“In Bethlehem town, which is not far away,

Your Savior from sin was born on this day.

By this sign you will know that you’ve found the Christ—Child,

He lies in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes mild.”

Then all of a sudden, a host dressed in white,

Appeared out of heaven—What a glorious sight!

They joined in this song:”To God highest glory,

And peace among men who have faith in this story.”

When the angels were gone into heaven again,

The shepherds said “Brethren, we cannot remain.”

They hurried to Bethlehem in search of the Child,

And found Him with Joseph and Mary so mild,

On straw, in a manger, in swaddling clothes bound,

As the angel had promised, so they had found.

And when they had witnessed the blessed event,

The shepherds proclaimed it wherever they went.

The told all they knew of the wonderful Child,

The angels, And Joseph, and Mary so mild.

The people who heard what the shepherds did say,

Wondered and marveled at the news of that day.

But Mary, the mother, kept all in her heart,

Thanking the Father for her special part.

The shepherds returned to their fields that same night,

Praising their God for the wonderful sight.

And now that we’ve heard of that blessed event,

We know that the Father our Savior has sent.

Trusting in Him our sins are forgiven,

And we, by God’s grade, now live in heaven.

Good news such as this we’re eager to spread,

About God’s dear Son, born in rude manger bed.

So tell all your neighbors, those far and those near,

That Jesus, the Savior from sin, now is here!

Ralph E. Dinger

December 26, 1965