Within a manger lies the babe when shepherds come in haste
And find him, Mary, and Joseph. All who hear it are amazed,
While Mary keeps these sacred things within her heart's embrace.
(What treasures hold I in my heart? Do I give him a place?)

Wise men traveling from the east inquire where to find
The newborn king of all the Jews. This troubles Herod's mind
And all Jerusalem with him. "Where," he asks, "will he be born?"
"In Bethlehem, in Juda," him the priests and scribes inform.

Again the wise men see the star. They follow it and go
To where they find the child. With greatest joy their hearts o'erflow.
They enter, kneel, and worship him, then open treasures fair:
Gold and frankincense and myrrh (both fragrant substance rare).

How will I then honor him? What gift can I bestow?
A humble heart? A willing mind? Readiness to go
Where he may call me? Follow him? Strive to be clean and pure?
Love my neighbor as myself? To the end endure?

Am I happy in my home and cheerful in my work?
Am I courteous when I drive or does some malice lurk?
Am I patient in my trials? Content to suffer long?
Do I acknowledge weakness, knowing he will make me strong?

As I choose my gift for him, I hope it will impart
The love that it should represent. I hope he finds my heart
A welcome place for him to come, a place of joy and prayer.
I'll start right here and now with little steps that lead me there.