How Far Is It to Bethlehem?

Is it far to Bethlehem? Not very far

Shall we find the stable room, lit by a star

Shall we see the little child, is he within

If we lift the wooden latch, may we go in

May we stroke the creatures there, ox, ass or sheep

May we be like them and see Jesus asleep

If we touch his tiny hand, will he awake

Will he know we’ve come so far, just for his sake

Great kings have precious gifts, and we have naught

Little smiles and little tears are all we brought

For poor weary children Mary must weep

Here on his bed of straw, sleep, Jesus, sleep

God in his mother’s arms, babes in the byre

Sleep as they sleep who find their hearts’ desire