Page:Our American Holidays - Christmas.djvu/250

Long ago angelic harpers sang the song we sing to-day,
And the drowsy fold of Bethlehem may have listened as they lay!
But eager shepherds left their flocks, and o’er the desert wild
The kingly sages journeyed to adore the Holy Child!
     Has any man a quarrel?
          Has another used you ill?
     The friendly word you meant to say,
          Is that unspoken still?—
     Then, remember, ’twas the Angels
          Brought glad tidings of good will!

Of all the gifts of Christmas, are you fain to win the best?
Lo! the Christ-child still is waiting Himself to be your guest;
No lot so high or lowly but He will take His part,
If you do but bid Him welcome to a clean and tender heart.
     Are you sleeping, are you waking?
          To the Manger haste away,
     And you shall see a wond’rous sight
          Amid the straw and hay.—
     ’Tis Love Himself Incarnate
          As on this Christmas Day!

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