The First Christmas

By Rebecca M. Taylor

Just what was the first Christmas like

For Joseph, Mary, Christ?

Did people then trim trees, partake

Of cookies shaped and iced?

No—

There were no festive parties held

To celebrate the day;

Christ’s parents trekked to Bethlehem,

A tax law to obey.

There was no jolly Santa Claus

Directing deer in flight;

But in the skies, the angels sang

That holy Christmas night.

There were no colored Christmas lights,

Each sparkling like a gem;

Instead, a star from heaven lit

The way to Bethlehem.

No shoppers sought the perfect gift

Before the day was done,

But humble shepherds left their fields

To seek the Perfect Son.

Illustrated by Shauna Mooney Kawasaki