Twas the night before the first Christmas and all through out the stable, The animals were keeping warm as they were able. After saying goodnight with baas, neighs and moos, They'd just settle down for a long winter's snooze. When suddenly they heard the latch door squeaking, As the door open wide, groaning and creaking. And what did they see by the starlight's bright glow But a man and a woman and a donkey in tow. The woman lay down on the straw the man piled, And the animals saw she was heavy with child. So they closed around to ward off the chill air And drifted to sleep as they kept vigil there. They woke with a start at a cry that they heard, And saw a miraculous thing had occurred: On the hay lay a baby brand new to the world, His hair still damp, little fingers all curled. He was wrapped up in rags in His straw manger bed, And a luminous halo encircled His head. His smile was so peaceful,His eyes held them transfixed . With feelings of hope, joy and wonder, all mixed. And the love that they felt-if they could share just a part. They knew it could change the whole world, heart by heart. They heard angels above announcing His birth Singing "glory to God and peace on the earth." Shepherds left the fields to come to adore Him Offering gifts and bowing before Him And the animals too knelt down in the hay, Knowing Love was newborn among them that day. As you ponder once more the Nativity story, May you wonder anew at God's goodness and glory!. Contents & Graphics Copyright ? OurFamily4Him/2000 and the graphic artist listed. Our work is not Public Domain, and should NOT be taken from this site. Thank you.