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 nought,
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.