The Rebel Jesus

All the streets are filled with laughter and light

And the music of the season

And the merchants windows are all bright

With the faces of the children

And the families hurrying to their homes

As the sky darkens and freezes

Theyll be gathering around the hearths and tales

Giving thanks for all

God's graces

And the birth of the rebel

JesusWell they call him by the

Prince of

PeaceAnd they call him by the

SaviorAnd they pray to him upon the seas

And in every bold endeavor

As they fill his churches with their pride and gold

And their faith in him increases

But they've turned the nature that

I worshipped in

From a temple to a robber's den

In the words of the rebel

JesusWe guard our world with locks and guns

And we guard our fine possessions

And once a year when

Christmas comes

We give to our relations

And perhaps we give a little to the poor

If the generosity should seize us

But if any one of us should interfere

In the business of why they are poor

They get the same as the rebel

JesusBut please forgive me if

I seemTo take the tone of judgement

For I've no wish to come between

This day and your enjoyment

In this life of hardship and of earthly toil

We have need for anything that frees us

So I bid you pleasure

And I bid you cheer

From a heathen and a pagan

On the side of the rebel

Jesus.