The Christmas Robin

‘Twas cold the night of first Noel.  The fire was barely going
As Mary asked her stable mates to keep the embers glowing.
The ox and ass were both asleep and did not hear her plea
But someone did.  A little bird came fluttering down to see.
He flapped his wings and fanned the flames ‘til fire was burning bright, 
No matter though his chest got burned hot scarlet in his flight.
For helping warm the Jesus child that bird by God was blessed,
And that is how the robin got the red upon his breast.

Robin painting copyright Susan M Omand