The Decree

Then Gabriel came and said to

Joseph alone"Do not be afraid to make Mary your ownBut go to your betrothed and then be marriedThe child is Heaven sent"

And it came to pass

That there went out a decree

From Caesar

AugustusThat all the world would be taxed

And each went to be taxed to his own city

So Joseph also went

With his lady innocent

With his lady innocent

The lions in the mountains

Let them pass and followed

Close by night to guard them

From Galilee to

BethlehemShe journeyed with only a donkey to ride

With Joseph walking beside

Came to David's city

While she was great with child

Through a country dark and wild

Through a country dark and wild

And on the far horizon

Rose a strange and brilliant

Star as though to guide them