[Spoken Intro - Low, ominous] A star rose over the east. A throne in Jerusalem began to tremble. [Verse 1 - Low, searching] Men from the east crossed desert and stone, Following light toward a King yet unknown. They entered Jerusalem asking the way, “Where is the King who was born in this day?” Herod heard whispers and tightened his crown, Priests named Bethlehem, little in town. He smiled at the travelers, measured the star, And hid in soft language the blade in his heart. [Refrain - Building] The star moved on where the proud could not lead, Past palace and plot, past hunger and greed. One king clutched power, one King had no throne, Yet heaven marked clearly which kingdom was known. [Verse 2 - Warm, luminous] The light stood still and their long road was done, Joy filled the house where they looked on the Son. Gold from the treasure, frankincense, myrrh, Knees to the ground without trumpet or stir. Then warning came quietly deep in the night: Do not return to the ruler in spite. Another road carried the wise men away, While Joseph was warned before breaking of day. [Bridge - Dark, urgent] Rise in the darkness. Take mother and child. Egypt lies south through the dangerous wild. Herod found anger where worship had been, And Bethlehem learned what a tyrant could mean. Herod found anger where worship had been, Sent violence outward through Bethlehem’s streets. Rachel was weeping; the prophecy rang, But Herod could not kill the promise he feared. [Final Refrain - Strong, restrained] The star had gone on, but the promise remained, Beyond Herod’s reach, beyond Herod’s reign. A sword filled Bethlehem, Egypt gave room, And heaven preserved what the palace would doom. [Outro - Low] The crown in Jerusalem guarded a throne. The child in exile carried a kingdom.