The Rebel Jesus

All the streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season
And the merchants windows are all bright
With the faces of the children
And the families hurrying to their homes
As the sky darkens and freezes
Theyll be gathering around the hearths and tales
Giving thanks for all
God's graces
And the birth of the rebel
JesusWell they call him by the
Prince of
PeaceAnd they call him by the
SaviorAnd they pray to him upon the seas
And in every bold endeavor
As they fill his churches with their pride and gold
And their faith in him increases
But they've turned the nature that
I worshipped in
From a temple to a robber's den
In the words of the rebel
JesusWe guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when
Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel
JesusBut please forgive me if
I seemTo take the tone of judgement
For I've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment
In this life of hardship and of earthly toil
We have need for anything that frees us
So I bid you pleasure
And I bid you cheer
From a heathen and a pagan
On the side of the rebel
Jesus.