Born in Bethlehem is a cumulative counting song, similar to The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each group traveling to the Nativity, or associated with Jesus, is presented in ascending numerical order, from one to twelve. "One for the little bitty Baby ... Twelve for the Twelve Apostles." Once the complete set has been introduced, the numbers are performed in reverse order in a frantic race from twelve to one. The clarinet plays a featured role, enhancing the message of the lyrics. An energetic song!