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The morning after angels
St. Joseph sanded wood,
Nailed smooth boards at right angles,
And though the crib was rude,

It was a vast improvement
On donkey’s feeding trough;
The craftsmanship was excellent
Though the design was rough.

St. Joseph made a promise
To keep God safe from harm;
At the coming of the Wise
They found Him sleeping, warm.

—Mary-Patrice Woehling

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Dear Reader,

Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.

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