Christmas

Christmas

Of that far distant city,
A theme has oft been told,
By poets and by sages,
Who lived in days of old.
That theme a lovely story,
Of which we never tire,
Has reached us through the ages,
And still our hearts inspire.

That story - must I tell it?
Ah, no! 'tis known too well - 
'Tis of the King of Glory,
Who came with us to dwell,
With hosts of shining angels,
To tell the news afar,
He was the Babe of Bethlehem,
The bright and Morning Star.

With flocks in fields abiding,
The shepherds heard the sound,
And with the Eastern wise men
Spread the glad news around.
"Behold, I bring good tidings,"
So said the angel voice.
To-day that distant echo
Still makes our hearts rejoice.

Again we bring our offerings,
Like those in ancient days,
Again the star is shining,
With its resplendent rays.
Once more to every nation,
We wish with words of cheer - 
"A Merry, Merry Christmas
A glad Happy New Year."

Frances A. Parker

5:14, p. 2

1891.12.26