St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Italian singer Andrea Bocelli tells the story of his mother’s pregnancy, during which doctors suggested that she abort him because he would be born with a disability. In the video he praises his mother for making “the right choice,” saying other mothers should take encouragement from the story.

How Far is it to Bethlehem?

Written by: Frances Alice Chesterton

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, ass, or sheep?
May we peek 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.

God in his mother’s arms,
Babes in the byre,
Sleep, as they sleep who find
Their heart’s desire.