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A CHRISTMAS HYMN.
    Father of life and love!
While the full echo high and higher swells
From the glad chiming of the Christmas bells,
    Lift we our hearts above.

    Up from the weary cares
That spring like weeds around the ways of life,
From thorny paths of passion and of strife,
    We mount the golden stairs,—

    The golden stairs of prayer
That pierce the secrets of Thy dwelling-place,
And leave us with Thy presence face to face,
    To pour our soul out there.

    Hear us, O Power divine!
Infuse our weakness with Thy steadfast will,
That joy or woe may lead us nearer still
    To join our lives with Thine.