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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?

Frances Chesterton (1869 - 1938)

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HOW FAR IS IT TO BETHLEHEM

May we stroke the creatures there,

oxen or sheep?

May we peek 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?

Frances Chesterton (1869 - 1938)

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3 of 5

HOW FAR IS IT TO BETHLEHEM

O what can I give to Him,

poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd,

I'd bring a lamb;

If I were a wise man

I'd do my part;

yet what can I give to Him?

Give Him my heart.

Frances Chesterton (1869 - 1938)

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HOW FAR IS IT TO BETHLEHEM

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.

​

Frances Chesterton (1869 - 1938)

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HOW FAR IS IT TO BETHLEHEM

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.

Frances Chesterton (1869 - 1938)

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