Christmas Lyrics

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Three Little Pennies Doug Stone There was an old, blind man Who stood on the corner down town he was holding a cup Filled up with nothing From the christmas shopping crowd And though I barely came up to the top of his cane I reached up and gave him Every cent to my name. Three little pennies. Were all that I had One that I'd found Two from my dad Three little pennies not much of a gift But Dad said "that's plenty, if it's all you can give." that evening my dad told a wonderful story to me About a child and the manger. The wise men who came bearing gifts on the first christmas eve. There was a part I'm sure he made up About a stable boy who couldn't give much.. Three little pennies. Were all that he had One that he'd found Two from his dad Three little pennies not much of a gift But Dad said "that's plenty if it's all you can give." next morning was christmas And I had prayed hard for a bike But all that I found was the tiniest box With three shiny pennies inside and I was so disapointed because I had been good But times had been bad so I understood. And daddy said: "three little pennies. Were all that you had But you gave them freely So I gave them back Three little pennies not much of a gift You're bike is outside because you've learned how to give"

Someday at Christmas Stevie Wonder, Andra Day Someday at Christmas men won't be boys Playing with bombs like kids play with toys One warm December our hearts will see A world where men are free Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars When we have learned what Christmas is for When we have found what life's really worth There'll be peace on earth Someday all our dreams will come to be Someday in a world where men are free Maybe not in time for you and me But someday at Christmastime Someday at Christmas we'll see a Man No hungry children, no empty hand One happy morning people will share Our world where people care Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears All men are equal and no men have fears One shinning moment my heart ran away From our world today Someday all our dreams will come to be Someday in a world where men are free Maybe not in time for you and me But someday at Christmastime Someday at Christmas man will not fail Hate will be gone love will prevail Someday a new world that we can start With hope in every heart Maybe not in time for you and me But someday at Christmastime Someday at Christmastime

What Christmas Means To Me Stevie Wonder Candles burning low Lots of mistletoe Lots of snow and ice Everywhere we go Choir singing carols Right outside my door All these things and more That's what Christmas means to me my love Oh, yeah, yeah I see your smiling face Like I've never seen before Even though I love you madly It seems I love you more Oh, the little though you give me Touched my heart for sure All these things and more, darling And that's what Christmas means to me my love I feel like running wild I feel like just a little child To bring you 'neath the mistletoe Kiss you once and then some more Wish you a Merry Christmas, baby And such happiness in the coming year Let's deck the halls with holly Singing 'Silent night' Dress the trees with angel hair Pretty, pretty lights Go to sleep and wake up Just before daylight All these things and more, darling And that's what Christmas means to me my love Oh, yeah, that's what Christmas means to me I talk about desserts underneath the tree Talkin' 'bout lights of nights and snow Ooh, everybody sing now Yeah, that's what it means to me

Do You Hear What I Hear Written By Gloria Shayne Baker & Noel Regney Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear Ringing through the night, shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear A song, a song, high above the trees With a voice as big as the sea With a voice as big as the sea Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king Do you know what I know In your palace warm, mighty king Do you know what I know A child, a child, shivers in the cold Let us bring him silver and gold Let us bring him silver and gold Said the king to the people everywhere Listen to what I say Pray for peace, people everywhere Listen to what I say A child, a child, sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light He will bring us goodness and light

Mary Did You Know written by Mark Lowry (lyrics) and Buddy Greene(melody) Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand? Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God? Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The dead will live again. The lame will leap. The dumb will speak The praises of The Lamb. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? The sleeping Child you're holding is the great "I am"

Joy to the World written by Isaac Watts Joy to the World, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven and nature sing And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing Joy to the World, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy No more let sins and sorrows grow Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found Far as the curse is found Far as, far as, the curse is found He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love And wonders of His love And wonders, wonders, of His love

A Soldier's King written by John Barlow Jarvis and Kenny Horton No one seemed to notice the man beside the road He was just a ragged soldier out there in the cold But he seemed to have a purpose only known to him As he walked along the streets that night through the town of Bethlahem. In his head he held a memory of all the wars he'd known In his hand he clutched a medal for the bravery he'd shown And the weight of every battle he caried in his heart But his eyes were clear and searching for a manger in the dark. Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all But we're all born to know Him and stand before His light Like the soldier who found his king tonight. He had marched for politicians, served under their command And he fought for all the causes that he did not understand But it was something deep inside him now that led him on his way With a single star to guide him to where the baby lay. Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all But we're all born to know Him and stand before His light Like the soldier who found his king tonight. He stood before the Son of God, come to pay our debt He smiled up at the soldier that the world would soon forget So he held out his medal and said this for you I bring There he swore aligiance to the newborn baby King. Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all But we're all born to know Him and stand before His light Like the soldier who found his king tonight...

Christmas And Love Written by Lassaye Holmes I live in a three-room shack it's not much to see No special lights on my Christmas tree not this Christmas for me I may not get a Christmas card or shoes for my weary feet But when Jesus was born on Christmas morn That was my gift to me Son of God sent down from above To cheer the whole wide world Peace on earth goodwill toward all And fill their Christmas with love I have three kids and a wife so true a few ole ties and suit But when God gives you these things and love you can see That's enough Christmas for me

Do They Know It’s Christmas?  written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure It's Christmas time There's no need to be afraid At Christmas time We let in light and we banish shade And in our world of plenty We can spread a smile of joy Throw your arms around the world At Christmas time But say a prayer Pray for the other ones At Christmas time it's hard But when you're having fun There's a world outside your window And it's a world of dread and fear Where the only water flowing Is the bitter sting of tears And the Christmas bells that ring there Are the clanging chimes of doom Well tonight thank God it's them Instead of you And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time The greatest gift they'll get this year is life(Oooh) Where nothing ever grows No rain or rivers flow Do they know it's Christmas time at all? Here's to you Raise a glass for everyone Here's to them Underneath that burning sun Do they know it's Christmas time at all?   Feed the world Feed the world Feed the world Let them know it's Christmas time again Feed the world Let them know it's Christmas time again

Christmas Is Holy Written by Ferlin Husky There's a word we often mention all along life's weary way                                    It's the day that's made to praise the one unseen It's been changed from holy to a holiday                    And we seldom stop to think of what it means But it's holy holy not a holiday holy holy not a holiday So stop and think dear brother as you celebrate this day                  Christmas is holy not a holiday I wonder how my Savior feels to look down on this earth   And watch people fuss and fight and grip about their meals       How they celebrate His birth

Silver Bells composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. (Silver bells, silver bells) It's Christmas time in the city Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling), Hear them ring (ting-a-ling) Soon it will be Christmas day. City sidewalks, busy sidewalks. Dressed in holiday style In the air there's a feeling of Christmas (Children laughing, People passing, Meeting smile after smile) And on every street corner you'll hear Silver bells, (Silver bells) Silver bells, (silver bells) It's Christmas time in the city Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling), Hear them ring (hear them ring) Soon it will be Christmas day.

All Is Well Written by Wayne Kirkpatrick, Michael W. Smith All is well all is well Angels and men rejoice For tonight darkness fell Into the dawn of love's light Sing A-le Sing Alleluia All is well all is well Let there be peace on earth Christ is come go and tell That He is in the manger Sing A-le Sing Alleluia All is well all is well Lift up your voice and sing Born is now Emmanuel Born is our Lord and Savior Sing Alleluia Sing Alleluia All is well

Going Home For Christmas Written by Steven Curtis Chapman Her house was where the family gathered every Christmas eve; A feast was set on the table and gifts were placed beneath the tree. Everything was picture perfect, Grandpa would laugh and say, That woman spends the whole year getting ready for this day. One year the leaves began to fall and her health began to fade; We moved her to a place where they could watch her night and day. But she kept making plans for Christmas from her little room; She told everyone, I'll miss you but I'll be leaving soon. I'm going home for Christmas and I'm going home to stay; I'm going home for Christmas and nothing's gonna keep me away. I'll be with the ones I love to celebrate the Savior's birth; This gift will be worth more to me than anything on earth. I'm going home, home for Christmas. All the leaves outside have fallen to be covered by the snow; The family comes with food and gifts and Grandpa comes alone. There's a sadness in our silence as the Christmas story's read, And with tears, Grandpa reminds us of the words that Grandma said. I'm going home for Christmas and I'm going home to stay; I'm going home for Christmas and nothing's gonna keep me away. She'll be face to face with Jesus as we celebrate His birth, And this gift will be worth more to her than anything on earth, 'Cause she'll be home. And as we sing 'Joy to the World' I can't help thinking Of the joy that's in her eyes right now. And though our hearts still ache, we know that as we celebrate, She's singing with the herald angels and heaven's glowing on her face. And now she's home for Christmas and now she's home to stay; She's home for Christmas, and nothin' could've kept her away. She'll be face to face with Jesus, as we celebrate His birth, And this gift will be worth more to her than anything on earth. She's home, she's home for Christmas. She is home, she's home for Christmas.

A Christmas To Remember Written by Amy Grant Twinkling lights A chill is in the air And carols everywhere Close your eyes, it's almost here Candles and cards And favorite movie scenes The smell of evergreen As special as it's always been And I have a dream or two Maybe they will come true Setting our hopes on a big snow tonight We'll wake up to a world of white It's gonna be a Christmas to remember Light up the fire, play some Nat King Cole Always sentimental and don't you know that It's gonna be a Christmas to remember I know it's true Time doesn't stand still Many things can change But we know some things never will The memories we share The songs we always sing The mystery of life The hopefulness this season brings And I have a dream or two Maybe they will come true

Joseph's Song written by Michael Card How could it be this baby in my arms Sleeping now, so peacefully The Son of God, the angel said How could it be? Lord, I know He's not my own Not of my flesh, not of my bone Still Father let this baby be The son of my love Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours How can a man be father to the Son of God Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king? He looks so small, His face and hands so fair And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear But when He laughs it shines again How could it be? Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours How can a man be father to the Son of God Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king? How could it be this baby in my arms Sleeping now, so peacefully The Son of God, the angel said How could it be? How could it be?

Still Her Little Child Written by Ray Boltz When she laid him in a manger He was still her little child In a city filled with strangers He was still her little child Though the inn was full and the night was cold She held Him close and smiled When she laid Him in a manger He was still her little child When the angels called Him Savior He was still her little child When the wise men gave Him treasures He was still her little child When the shepherds bowed before Him A star shone all the while When the angels called Him Savior He was still her little child When He grew in strength and wisdom He was still her little child When He spoke the people listened He was still her little child When He healed the lame and dying They would follow Him for miles And when he grew, in strength and wisdom He was still her little child When the people turned against Him He was still her little child When they shouted crucify Him He was still her little child And when they nailed Him To a wooden cross then we were reconciled When she held His broken body He was still her little child He was still her little child

The Christmas Shoes Written by Newsong It was almost Christmas time And there I stood in another line Trying to buy that last gift or two Not really in the Christmas mood And standing right in front of me was a Little boy waiting anxiously Pacing around like little boys do And in his hands he held A pair of shoes His clothes were worn and old He was dirty from head to toe And when it came his time to pay I couldn't believe what I heard him say Sir I wanna buy these shoes For my mama. please It's Christmas eve and these shoes are just her size Could you hurry sir Daddy says there's not much time You see, She's been sick for quite a while And I know these shoes will make her smile And I Want her to look beautiful If mama meets Jesus tonight They counted penny's for what seemed like years then the Cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here." He searched his pockets frantically Then he turned and he looked at me and he said "Mama made Christmas good at our house though Most years she just did without, Tell me sir, What am I gonna do? Some how I gotta buy her these Christmas shoes." So I laid the money down I just had to help him out And I'll never forget the look on his face when he said, "Mama's gonna look so great." I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love as he thanked me and ran out I knew that God had sent me that little boy to remind me what Christmas is all about I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight

WINTER SNOW Written by CHRIS TOMLIN You could've come like a mighty storm, With all the strength of a hurricane; You could've come like a forest fire, With the power of heaven in Your flame. But You came like a winter snow - Quiet, and soft, and slow; Falling from the sky in the night To the earth below. You could've swept in like a tidal wave, Or in an ocean to ravish our hearts; You could've come through like a roaring flood To wipe away the things we've scarred. Oh, oh, but You came like a winter snow. You were quiet, You were soft, and slow; Falling from the sky in the night To the earth below. Ooh, no, Your voice wasn't in a bush burning; No, Your voice wasn't in a rushing wind. It was still, it was small, it was hidden. Oh You came like a winter snow - Quiet, and soft, and slow; Falling from the sky in the night To the earth below. Oh, yeah. You came falling from the sky in the night To the earth below.

Tennessee Christmas Written by Point Of Grace On God's green earth the ocean swims in brilliant blues The yellow sun warms me and you 'Til it's chased by an iridescent moon On God's green earth On God's green earth the mountains climb with purple haze Against a sky of stormy days There are ebony nights and silver days On God's green earth We live, we laugh and love and dance 'Cause God makes all things beautiful and perfect in His hands We rise from the ashes of our past 'Cause we've learned the truth at last Love is not blind Every color shines On God's green earth On God's green earth...if every color was the same And every child had just one name There'd be no beauty for each of us to claim On God's green earth We see the scars of yesterday Of wars that we cannot erase But we can walk hand in hand in healing grace We live, we laugh and love and dance 'Cause God makes all things beautiful and perfect in His hands We rise from the ashes of our past 'Cause we've learned the truth at last Love is not blind Every color shines On God's green earth

A Carol In The Pastures by Edward Bolton Sweet music, sweeter far Than any song is sweet: Sweet music, heavenly rare, Mine ears, O peers, doth greet. You gentle flocks, whose fleeces, pearled with dew, Resemble heaven, whom golden drops make bright, Listen, O listen, now, O not to you Our pipes make sport to shorten weary night; But voices most divine Make blissful harmony: Voices that seem to shine, For what else clears the sky? Tunes can we hear, but not the singers see, The tunes divine, and so the singers be. Lo, how the firmament Within an azure fold The flock of stars hath pent, That we might them behold; Yet from their beams proceedeth not this light, Nor can their crystals such reflection give. What then doth make the element so bright? The heavens are come down upon earth to live. But hearken to the song, Glory to glory's king, And peace all men among, These quiristers do sing. Angels they are, as also (Shepherds) he Whom in our fear we do admire to see. Let not amazement blind Your souls, said he, annoy: To you and all mankind My message bringeth joy. For lo, the world's great Shepherd now is born A blessed babe, an infant full of power: After long night uprisen is the morn, Renowning Bethl'em in the Saviour. Sprung is the perfect day, By prophets seen afar: Sprung is the mirthful May, Which winter cannot mar. In David's city doth this sun appear Clouded in flesh, yet, shepherds, sit we here?

A Christmas Hymn by Richard Watson Gilder Tell me what is this innumerable throng Singing in the heavens a loud angelic song? These are they who come with swift and shining feet From round about the throne of God the Lord of Light to greet. Oh, who are these that hasten beneath the starry sky, As if with joyful tidings that through the world shall fly? The faithful shepherds these, who greatly were afeared When, as they watched their flocks by night, the heavenly host appeared. Who are these that follow across the hills of night A star that westward hurries along the fields of light? Three wise men from the east who myrrh and treasure bring To lay them at the feet of him their Lord and Christ and King. What babe new-born is this that in a manger cries? Near on her lowly bed his happy mother lies. Oh, see the air is shaken with white and heavenly wings-- This is the Lord of all the earth, this is the King of kings.

A Hymn Of The Nativity by the Shepherds Come, we shepherds whose blest sight     Hath met Love's noon in Nature's night ;     Come lift up our loftier song, And wake the sun that lies too long. To all our world of well-stol'n joy     He slept, and dreamt of no such thing, While we found out Heaven's fairer eye,     And kissed the cradle of our King ; Tell him he rises now too late To show us aught worth looking at. Tell him we now can show him more     Than he e'er show'd to mortal sight, Than he himself e'er saw before,     Which to be seen needs not his light : Tell him, Tityrus, where th' hast been, Tell him, Thyrsis, what th' hast seen. Tit. Gloomy night embraced the place     Where the noble infant lay : The babe look'd up, and show'd His face ;     In spite of darkness it was day. It was Thy day, sweet, and did rise, Not from the East, but from Thy eyes.         Chorus.   It was Thy day, sweet, &c. Thrys. Winter chid aloud, and sent     The angry North to wage his wars : The North forgot his fierce intent,     And left perfumes instead of scars. By those sweet eyes' persuasive powers, Where he meant frosts he scatter'd flowers.         Chorus.   By those sweet eyes', &c. Both. We saw Thee in Thy balmy nest,     Young dawn of our eternal day ; We saw Thine eyes break from the East,     And chase the trembling shades away : We saw Thee, and we blest the sight, We saw Thee by Thine own sweet light. Tit. Poor world (said I) what wilt thou do     To entertain this starry stranger ? Is this the best thou canst bestow—     A cold and not too cleanly manger ? Contend, the powers of heaven and earth, To fit a bed for this huge birth.         Chorus.   Contend, the powers, &c. Thyrs. Proud world (said I) cease your contest,     And let the mighty babe alone, The phoenix builds the phoenix' nest,     Love's architecture is His own. The babe, whose birth embraves this morn, Made His own bed ere He was born.         Chorus.   The babe whose birth, &c. Tit. I saw the curl'd drops, soft and slow,     Come hovering o'er the place's head ; Offe'ring their whitest sheets of snow,     To furnish the fair infant's bed. Forbear, said I, be not too bold, Your fleece is white, but 'tis too cold.         Chorus.   Forbear (said I), &c. Thyrs. I saw th' obsequious seraphim     Their rosy fleece of fire bestow, For well they now can spare their wings,     Since Heaven itself lies here below. Well done, said I ;  but are you sure Your down, so warm, will pass for pure ?         Chorus.   Well done, said I, &c. Tit. No, no, your King's not yet to seek     Where to repose His royal head ; See, see how soon His new-bloom'd cheek     'Twixt mother's breasts is gone to bed. Sweet choice, said we, no way but so, Not to lie cold, yet sleep in snow !         Chorus.   Sweet choice, said we, &c. Both. We saw Thee in Thy balmy nest,     Young dawn of our eternal day ; We saw Thine eyes break from the East,     And chase the trembling shades away : We saw Thee, and we blest the sight, We saw Thee by Thine own sweet light.         Chorus.   Sweet choice, said we, &c. Full Chorus. Welcome all wonders in one sight !     Eternity shut in a span ! Summer in winter ! day in night !     Heaven in earth ! and God in man ! Great little one, whose all-embracing birth Lifts earth to Heaven, stoops Heaven to earth ! Welcome, tho' nor to gold, nor silk,     To more than Cæsar's birthright is : Twin sister seas of virgin's milk,     With many a rarely-temper'd kiss, That breathes at once both maid and mother, Warms in the one, cools in the other. She sings Thy tears asleep, and dips     Her kisses in Thy weeping eye : She spreads the red leaves of Thy lips,     That in their buds yet blushing lie. She 'gainst those mother diamonds tries The points of her young eagle's eyes. Welcome—though not to those gay flies,     Gilded i' the beams of earthly kings, Slippery souls in smiling eyes—     But to poor shepherds, homespun things, Whose wealth's their flocks, whose wit's to be Well read in their simplicity. Yet, when April's husband show'rs     Shall bless the fruitful Maia's bed, We'll bring the first-born of her flowers,     To kiss Thy feet, and crown Thy head. To Thee, dread Lamb !  whose love must keep The shepherds while they feed their sheep. To Thee, meek Majesty, soft King     Of simple graces and sweet loves ! Each of us his lamb will bring,     Each his pair of silver doves ! At last, in fire of Thy fair eyes, Ourselves become our own best sacrifice !

At Last by John Greenleaf Whittier When on my day of life the night is falling,      And, in the winds from unsunned spaces blown,      I hear far voices out of darkness calling      My feet to paths unknown,      Thou who hast made my home of life so pleasant,      Leave not its tenant when its walls decay;      O Love Divine, O Helper ever present,      Be Thou my strength and stay!      Be near me when all else is from me drifting;      Earth, sky, home's pictures, days of shade and shine,      And kindly faces to my own uplifting      The love which answers mine.      I have but Thee, my Father! let Thy spirit      Be with me then to comfort and uphold;      No gate of pearl, no branch of palm I merit,      Nor street of shining gold.      Suffice it if -- my good and ill unreckoned,      And both forgiven through Thy abounding grace --      I find myself by hands familiar beckoned      Unto my fitting place.      Some humble door among Thy many mansions,      Some sheltering shade where sin and striving cease,      And flows forever through heaven's green expansions      The river of Thy peace.      There, from the music round about me stealing,      I fain would learn the new and holy song,      And find at last, beneath Thy trees of healing,      The life for which I long.

The Child Jesus In The Garden Anonymous Cold was the day, when in a garden bare,     Walked the Child Jesus, wrapt in holy thought; His brow seemed clouded with a weight of care;     Calmness and rest from worldly things he sought. Soon was his presence missed within his home;     His mother gently marked his every way; Forth then she came to seek where he did roam.     Full of sweet words his trouble to allay. Through chilling snow she toiled to reach his side,     Forcing her way mid branches brown and sere, Hastening that she his sorrows might divide,     Share all his woe, or calm his gloomy fear. Sweet was her face, as o'er his head she bent,     Longing to melt his look of saddest grief. With lifted eyes, his ear to her he lent;     Her kindly solace brought his soul relief. Then did he smile--a smile of love so deep,     Winter himself grew warm beneath its glow; From drooping branches scented blossoms peep;     Up springs the grass; the sealed fountains flow. Summer and spring did with each other vie,     Offering to Him the fragrance of their store; Chanting sweet notes, the birds around him fly,     Wondering why earth had checkered so her floor.

The Christmas Child  by Isa Craig-Knox The rain is cold, the sky is pitch,     Above the city’s lengthening piles, Gleaming across an inky ditch,     The glimmering lamp-lights stretch for miles. ‘Tis Christmas Eve, nor late though dark;     Still out upon the busy street The windows shine, and one can mark     The passers hurrying through the sleet. One hastens on with heavy tread;     Had any tried his face to scan, “ A common man,” they would have said;     Thank God! he was “a common man.” More lonely grew the way he took,     And once he stopped, amid the rain, To cast a bright ungrudging look     On what he saw through lighted pane. A Christmas feast! a table spread!     A cheerful glow of lamp and fire! A heap of children, head o’er head,     And one in arms uplifted higher!— Uplifted to the father’s lips!     But just as he had kissed the boy, They closed the curtains, and eclipse     Fell on the sharer of his joy, Who sighs, and on his way doth wend,—     A shadow on his face hath come. What waits him at his journey’s end?     A cheerless hearth? a joyless home? Nay, both as any warm and bright,     And wont to light his weariest way, Through longest road and blackest night,     But now the brightness fades away. No small feet cross that stainless hearth,     Or patter on that dainty floor! Ono pair, long laid in wintry earth,     Will greet his coming never more.                     II. Yet rest and hearty cheer await     Our dripping wayfarer; for him Tho board is spread in simple state,     The curtained bed stands white and trim. The housewife sits, with musing eye,     Contemplating her labours done; Her Christmas cheer, her own mince-pie,     Her ample store of cake and bun. She sighed in fullness of content,     And then she gave another sigh,— “What’s all the good of this,” it meant,     “With none to eat but John and I?“ Frugal she was, nor much would take     Or give; what moved the worthy soul? She rose and took her largest cake,     And forth on gentle errand stole. Across the way a neighbour dwelt     With many little mouths to feed; Heart-sickening care who daily felt,     For failing strength and growing need. To them her Christmas gift she took,     Leaving ajar the cottage door, Painting each sharer’s joyful look,     The weltering road she hastened o’er. And through the storm swift-falling—Hark!     Was that a sob? One moment nigh, A wild face peered from out the dark—     Some woeful heart was passing by.                     III. The dame had lingered for a space,     And now upon the threshold met Her spouse, and, with a radiant face,     Shut out the darkness and the wet. A little stir their entrance makes,     But soon a genial quiet falls; When, lo! an infant’s wail awakes     Within the unaccustomed walls. And both are in mid-speech struck mute,     And quick, with startled looks, arise, And listening stand—nor stir a foot—     Till, hark! again those plaining cries! Then moving to the couch, that stands     So white and trim, they—half in awe, And curious half—with eager hands,     Aside the snowy curtains draw. And there it lay, a tiny thing     All meanly clad and weeping sore; Such tears no elvish trick could wring,     No less than mortal grief could pour. Soon as the baby-form was prest     In woman’s arms, it hushed its cries; And turned toward the mother’s breast     With quivering lips and drowning eyes They bring it to the light, nor mark     Without—the wreck of woe and sin— A form that crouches in the dark,     A wild white face that peers within, Praying the woman-soul to save     Her babe: and to that peaceful hearth She saw the kiss that welcome gave,     And fled an outcast of the earth. The cautious dame had questioned still     The bounds of charity and right, Although her inmost soul would thrill     Above the babe that blessed night. But for a whisper in her ear,     That boundless love that hour had claim “A Christmas gift, we’ll keep it, dear,     It was to-night the Saviour came.”

Church Bells by John Keble Wake me to-night, my mother dear, That I may hear The Christmas Bells, so soft and clear, To high and low glad tidings tell, How God the Father loved us well; How God the Eternal Son Came to undo what we had done. How God the Paraclete, Who in the chaste womb formed the Babe so sweet, In power and glory came, the birth to aid and greet. Wake me, that I the twelvemonth long May bear the song About with me in the world's throng; That treasured joys of Christmas tide May with mine hour of gloom abide; The Christmas Carol ring Deep in my heart, when I would sing; Each of the twelve good days Its earnest yield of duteous love and praise, Ensuring happy months, and hallowing common ways. Wake me again, my mother dear, That I may hear The peal of the departing year. O well I love, the step of Time Should move to that familiar chime: Fair fall the tones that steep The Old Year in the dews of sleep, The New guide softly in, With hopes to sweet, sad memories akin! Long may that soothing cadence ear, heart, conscience win.

The Feast Was Prepared A Christmas Carol by Isa Craig-Knox The feast was prepared, and the friends were assembled,     All friends, there was only one stranger-guest there; 'Mid branches and holly the lights flash'd and trembled;     And all there were happy, and many were fair. The children stole forth, while the feast they were bringing,     Then softly returning, a fair minstrel band At the door of the chamber with sweet voices singing,     A carol for Christmas, they stood hand in hand:— "Ye who with gladness your Christmas are keeping,     Think of the woes which the wretched endure; Many with cold and with hunger are weeping—     Christians to-day should remember the poor. "With them in the world cold and hunger and weeping—     To-day came the Saviour for you to endure— With them to-day Christ his Christmas is keeping;     You give unto Him when you give to the poor." The children then held forth their hands, and with pleasure     Their parents and friends gave them gifts at the door, The stranger, too, begged he might swell the rich treasure,     And the sweet singers added their own little store. Then they join'd in the feast, and in song, and in laughter,     Their joy before God came up earnest and pure, Because for His sake who shall judge us hereafter;     There was feasting that night in some homes of the poor.

He Came All So Still A Carol by Anonymous He came all so still Where His mother was, As dew in April That falleth on the grass. He came all so still Where His mother lay, As dew in April That falleth on the spray. He came all so still To His mother's bower, As dew in April That falleth on the flower. Mother and maiden Was never none but she! Well might such a lady God's mother be.

Of Christ's Birth In An Inn by Jeremy Taylor The Blessed Virgin travailed without pain,     And lodged in an inn,     A glorious star the sign But of a greater guest than ever came that way,     For there He lay That is the God of night and day, And over all the pow'rs of heav'n doth reign. It was the time of great Augustus' tax,     And then He comes     That pays all sums, Even the whole price of lost humanity;     And sets of free     From the ungodly emperie Of Sin, of Satan, and of Death. O make our hearts, blest God, Thy lodging-place,     And in our breast     Be pleased to rest, For Thou lov'st temples better than an inn,     And cause that Sin May not profane the Deity within, And sully o'er the ornaments of grace.

 

 

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