Tonight In Bethlehem

For Kara Dahl. To the tune ST. LOUIS (REDNER) (“O Little Town of Bethlehem”):

The rowdy streets of Bethlehem
are full of noise and light,
and no one in the crowded inn
gets any sleep tonight:
They dice and shout their winnings
while notes of pure delight
are lost beneath the raucous din
that overflows the night.

The doorways spill into the streets;
the cups spill over wine.
The alleys echo dancing beats;
steps stumble out of time.
The song gives way to bleatings
among the sheep and swine,
and that gives way to something sweet,
some music more divine:

Where angels sing above the hills
as shepherds stand in awe,
the startled flocks, they snort and mill
beneath the strangest star.
And then, the whole world stilling,
and infant wails afar,
'til all the night with music fills
that spills from every bar.

And over all the raucous noise
that pours from every inn,
as one the shepherds lift their voice
and shout above the din:
“Come with us! Come rejoicing
while angels sing 'Amen'!
For all the world is filled with joys
tonight in Bethlehem!”