The Streets of Bethlehem

Bethlehem, your streets are filled tonight
With travelers and donkeys, tired and anxious.
They look for a warm place to stay.
Rooms fill up quickly as lamplight glows in windows.

Bethlehem, your streets are filled tonight
As one couple seeks a place to sleep.
The girl is near her time, her betrothed knows it.
But they don’t walk here alone.

Bethlehem, your streets are filled tonight
With visitors unheard and unseen.
God’s guardians encompass the lone couple,
A wall of protection from evil’s sly forces.

Bethlehem, your streets are filled tonight
As an invisible power follows the world’s Hope.
Hatred and violence fills his evil soul,
and he waits for the holy Child to be born.

Bethlehem, your streets are filled tonight.
Glory and singing overwhelm the shepherds.
A Savior has come, Glory to God Most High!
Sandaled feet run to find Him.

Bethlehem, your streets are filled tonight
With the passing of time and the giving of gifts.
Wise men travel back to the East,
Contented that they met heaven’s King.

Bethlehem, your streets are filled tonight.
Horses’ hooves and Herod’s men enter every alley.
Cries are heard throughout the village.
Violence has revealed itself, the pain is great.

Bethlehem, your streets are empty tonight
Of the Hope that was born there.
God sent His Son into safety,
Destined to die a different night.

Bethlehem, your streets are filled tonight.
Pilgrims gather once again
To honor the Lord who came to us,
The One who was born so He may die for us.

Bethlehem, your streets are filled tonight.
The heart of every believer is transported there
As the Christmas story is read and cherished.
Hope lives on and He now resides in every believing heart.

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