How Far Is It to Bethlehem

How Far Is It to Bethlehem - Alfred Deller

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

May we stroke the creatures there

Ox a** or sheep

May we peep 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

Great kings have precious gifts

And we have naught

Little smiles and little tears

Are all we brought

For all weary children

Mary must weep

Here on his bed of straw

Sleep children sleep

Children sleep

God in his mother's arms

Babes in the byre

Sleep as they sleep who find

Their heart's desire