The Decree

Then Gabriel came

And said to Joseph alone,

"Do not be afraid

To make Mary your own.

But go to your betrothed

And then be married,

The child is heaven-sent."

And it came to pass

That there went out a decree

From Caesar Augustus

That all the world would be taxed

And each went to be taxed

To his own city.

So Joseph also went

With his lady innocent,

With his lady innocent.

(The lions in the mountains

Let them pass and followed

Close by night to guard them.)

From Galilee to Bethlehem

She journeyed with only a donkey to ride,

With Joseph walking beside,

Came to David's city

While she was great with child,

Through a country dark and wild,

Through a country dark and wild.

(And on the far horizon

Rose a strange and brilliant

Star as though to guide them.)