Joseph took great care in closing his shop and urging his donkey forward to Bethlehem with Mary riding on its back carrying bread and cheese. When they arrived at the busy inn, Joseph was meek and mild but awed to be guardian of Mary and her newborn child Jesus, whose swaddling bands he smoothed through the chilly night while dimming the lantern light and holding the baby close.

1. WHEN JOSEPH
WENT TO
BETHLEHEM

2. When Joseph went to Bethlehem
I think he took great care
To place his tools and close his
shop
And leave no shavings there

3. He urged the donkey forward
Then, with Mary on its back
And carried bread and goat
cheese
In a little linen sack

4. I think there at the busy inn
That he was meek and milk
And awed to be the guardian
Of Mary's sacred Child

5. Perhaps all through the chilly
hours
He smoothed the swaddling
bands
And Jesus felt the quiet strength
of
Joseph's gentle hands

6. And close beside the manger
bed
He dimmed the lantern's light
And held the little Jesus close
upon
That holy night