At Christmas-tide
Gleamed a resplendent star
Over the hillsides far,
While shepherds watched by night
On the peaceful height.
Softly the gold-light fell
Over the vale and dell,
While angels warbled clear
“Lo! the Christ-child's here!”
Wise men brought there with them,
Sweet Child of Bethlehem,
Rare gifts to offer Thee,
For Thou mad'st them free.
“Peace!” list the magic word
Now through the ages heard;
“Good-will!” it echoes still
With the olden thrill.
Sweet Child in mercy sent,
Jesus, grant us content.
Evermore may we be
Near to truth and Thee!
~~
H. Cordelia Ray (1852-1916)
from Poems, 1910
[Poem is in the public domain worldwide]
Nativity, c. 1720-1725 (detail). Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.
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