Christmas: How Would it Have Been?

I have been thinking a lot of the Christmas Nativity story and those who were apart of the Savior's birth.  I've often wondered what it would have been like to be there and I've tried this year to find ways to put myself into the Nativity story.  I recently watched a short video about Joseph and wondered what it must have been like to be chosen as the earthly parent of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  That sparked more thought, as a soon-to-be mom, about how it must have been for Mary.  So many thoughts were swimming around in my mind that I took some time to ponder and I tried to put a few of them down on paper.  And here's the little poem that ensued.  I also highly recommend watching "The First Christmas Spirit" - it's the video I mentioned about Joseph.

Christmas: How Would it Have Been?

Kind, gentle Joseph, so humble and good,

took Mary to wife as he was told he should.

He was close to the Spirit and just and true, 

Obedient in all things the Lord asked him to do.

How would it have been for Joseph, meek and mild

to be the mortal father of the precious Christ child?

To be an example to The Exemplar and King,

truly could have been no easy thing.

The virgin Mary, sweet and loving too, 

may have been nervous for what she was chosen to do.

To bear a son who would be the Savior of all,

Yet, with great faith she accepted the call.

How would it have been for Mary, fair,

to mother sweet Jesus and tend to His care?

To nurture and comfort The Prince of Peace,

would have required her love to never cease.

The shepherds heard of peace on earth,

as they received joyful news of Christ's birth.

They went with haste to see Jesus the baby,

then went forth and to all, shared their testimony.

How would it have been as shepherds to believe,

the words of the angel and glad tidings receive?

To be poor shepherds seeking the Lamb of God,

would be a humbling path upon which to trod.

The wisemen searched in the East for the star,

they had studied, and prayed and traveled afar.

Despite their own learning, they sought God's wisdom,

and arrived at the place where the Messiah had come.

How would it have been for these wisemen of old,

to come bearing gifts of myrrh, frankincense and gold?

To the Light of the World, what could they offer Him,

that did not seem meager and humble and dim?

How would it have been in that stable there,

the night of the birth of our Savior fair?

Would we have watched with wondering awe,

and rejoiced at the miracle which we saw?

Would we, like Joseph, have willingly obeyed,

and followed the Spirit and not delayed?

Would we, like Mary, have been faithful and smart,

and pondered this miracle in our heart?

Would we, like the shepherds, come with eager haste

realizing that we had not a moment to waste?

Would we, like the wisemen, have known signs of His birth,

esteeming the Christ child to be of highest worth?

While we were not there all those years ago,

we can still, now, our Christmas spirit show.

We can develop the attributes of those in this story, 

and then, like them, come to know Christ and His glory.

We can rejoice in His coming all year long,

And follow His light so we never go wrong.

He is the Savior and Redeemer of mankind,

He raised the dead, healed the sick and the blind.

He loved and served and walked on water,

He taught the doctrine and will of the Father.

He showed us the way, fasted and prayed,

And pleased His Father as He perfectly obeyed.

The miracle of His life began with His birth,

when as an infant He came to earth.

Merry Christmas!  I hope the light and love of our Savior fills your hearts and homes this holiday season and all year long!