Page 10 - NEWSLETTER Dec 25 Jan 26 Helen

As Twilight Approaches (Tune: Away in a Manger)

As twilight approaches and darkness of night,
bright stars in the heavens shine silver with light
and Mary and Joseph, who’ve travelled all day,
are seeking a shelter, just somewhere to stay.

But many are travelling; the inns have no place.

A man feeling pity says he’ll find a space
but that means young Mary must lie on the floor
and find little comfort except in the straw.

Then birth pains catch Mary and well before dawn,
in dung and in dirt a new baby is born;
unseen by the world in the cool morning chill,
some shepherds, rejoicing, come down from the hill.

Just over the birth place a star comes to rest
to show travelling magi the source of their quest,
as Mary and Joseph, young parents, are awed
and angels are laughing to see the new Lord.

But Herod was jealous, the family must flee
with Mary and Joseph, this small refugee
tight-wrapped in his swaddling clothes, quite unaware,

found others who gave them new shelter and care.

So as we remember his birth and his flight
May we hold in prayer all those people tonight,
who’ve fled from their homes and from all that they’ve known
that they may find refuge, not feel so alone.

Written by and courtesy of Dorrie Johnson