Tinselly haloes
And poorly made tunics
Tied at the waist
With Dad's dressing gown belt
And lisps of "Away -
Away in a manger"
Sung by small shepherds 
Who fervently knelt

Mum and Dad sniffing
And quietly recording
To show to the family
Later that day
And little Lord Jesus
Not crying but wrapped up
In somebody's tea towel
Head first in the hay

What is it that brings us
The joy and the wonder
This montage so often
That brings us to tears?
The memory of how it's been 
Played out forever?
Their turn to take part in 
What over the years -

Has become a tradition 
Passed over and over
Three wise men must carry
Their gifts to the king
Or is it that somewhere
Inside we're aware that
The star really shone
And the angels still sing?