The Nativity

The Nativity

Birth of Jesus.

(The Gospel History, Section 9)

Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Nativity

(The Saviour of the World, Vol I Book I Poem XII)

The Nativity by Duccio

It came to pass, there went out a decree
From Cæsar Augustus to enrol the world:
Each one to his own place, the people went.

And Joseph, too, went out of Nazareth,
City of Galilee, to Bethlehem,
King David’s city in Judæa, for he

Of David’s lineage was; and took with him
Mary, his espousèd wife, being great with child
For her, they journeyed slow; and when they reached

Bethlehem, behold, the Khan was full of folk
Who all had come to register their names;
And groups sate here and there, and talked and ate.

Now, Mary’s hour was come, and she was full
Of anguish, with no place to house her in;
So Joseph, anxious, brought her to the byre

Wherein the travellers’ beasts were housed, and there
Found room for her: and, lo, the beasts were still
Nor gave annoy, what time he, careful, made

What poor provision for his wife he might:
Cold was the night and still, when, thus alone,
The mother bare the Son; and none did see
The brightness of His Rising, save the two.

In swathing bands, she in a manger laid,
For shelter from the cold, the princely Child:
Nor knew that there she laid the Bread of Life
Where ass and oxen for their fodder came.

Not, from His infant birth, the Son of Man
Had where to lay His head in this His world,
But shared the common place the cattle used.

Bless’d Virgin, who didst bear the World’s Delight!
Bless’d Joseph, who first saw the wondrous sight!
Good byre, which sheltered Him from rude affright!
Kind cattle, graced above all beasts that night!

“I was an outcast from my mother’s womb.”
“While yet I hanged upon my mother’s breasts,
Thou wast my hope.”
“There was no room for them in the inn.”

St. Luke ii. 1-8.
“I was an outcast”—Ps. xxii. 9, 10.