How Far Is It to Bethlehem?

How far is it to Bethlehem?

Not very far.

Shall we find the stable-room

Lit by a star?

Can 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 peep 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 all weary children

Mary must weep;

Here, on His bed of straw,

Sleep, children, sleep.

God, in His mother's arms,

Babes in the byre,

Sleep, as they sleep who find

Their heart's desire.