"If Christ was Born in Texas"

What if Christ was born in Texas?

Some would say why not?

‘Cause those born down in Texas,

 Seem proud of it a lot.

But if Christ was born in Texas,

It wouldn’t be big “D,”

Not Cowtown or San Antone,

Or Houston, don’t you see.

Some obscure burg like Bethlehem,

A little, rural place,

Just a wide spot in the road,

To show us God’s own face.

Maybe down in Luckenbach,

Or Canyon or Killeen,

Maybe Texarkana,

Or even Abilene.

There’s Coleman, Archer City,

Springtown and Thorp Spring,

Maybe old Bandera,

Would just beat everything.

And if Mary and Joseph,

Asked for a place to stay,

They’d give up the bunkhouse,

And wouldn’t make ‘em pay.

There would be no shepherds,

Only cowboys there instead,

And if the angels came to them,

They’d count how many head.

You know they might exaggerate,

On the story that was true,

And folks might not believe ‘em,

‘Cause you know how they do.

They’d head and heel old Herod,

And drag him out of sight,

Just get his attention,

And dehorn all his fight.

The Magi might wear cowboy hats,

And leave their camels home,

Just ride those Spanish ponies,

They’d have so far to roam.

Or they might throw a barbeque,

For the wise men three,

Kill and cook the fatted calf,

Down home festivity.

Guess God knew what He’s doing,

When it happened how it did,

This crazy talk of Texas,

We might as well be rid.

But I can’t help but wonder,

When the holy child was born,

How it would have been in Texas,

The state of hide and horn,

But better it was Bethlehem,

God’s Word tells it so,

God knew best where to send Him,

When heaven let Him go.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders…” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV)

The promised Messiah was described by the ancient prophet Isaiah as being born into this world. The how and where were predicted as well. There was great mystery in the words, and no one could fully understand them. But there was a definite hope and holy expectation that one day it would all come true. We read these retrospectively as holy scripture, and are amazed that the details of the story were so thoroughly fulfilled in Jesus. It is the wonder of our salvation, and it drives home the assurance that we can always trust what God has promised. Believe it!

Lord, help us rely upon Your promises, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, timcox.com Used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.