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William Brighty Rands.
_A Child's Prayer_
G.o.d make my life a little light, Within the world to glow-- A tiny flame that burneth bright, Wherever I may go.
G.o.d make my life a little flower, That bringeth joy to all, Content to bloom in native bower, Although its place be small.
G.o.d make my life a little song, That comforteth the sad, That helpeth others to be strong, And makes the singer glad.
M. Betham Edwards
XI
BELLS OF CHRISTMAS
_Then let the holly red be hung,_ _And all the sweetest carols sung,_ _While we with joy remember them--_ _The journeyers to Bethlehem._
_Frank Dempster Sherman._
BELLS OF CHRISTMAS
_The Adoration of the Wise Men_
Saw you never in the twilight, When the sun had left the skies, Up in heaven the clear stars s.h.i.+ning, Through the gloom like silver eyes?
So of old the wise men watching, Saw a little stranger star, And they knew the King was given, And they follow'd it from far.
Heard you never of the story, How they cross'd the desert wild, Journey'd on by plain and mountain, Till they found the Holy Child?
How they open'd all their treasure, Kneeling to that Infant King, Gave the gold and fragrant incense, Gave the myrrh in offering?
Know ye not that lowly Baby Was the bright and morning star, He who came to light the Gentiles, And the darken'd isles afar?
And we too may seek his cradle, There our heart's best treasures bring, Love, and Faith, and true devotion, For our Saviour, G.o.d, and King.
Cecil Frances Alexander.
_Cradle Hymn_
Hush, my dear, lie still and slumber; Holy angels guard thy bed; Heavenly blessings without number Gently falling on thy head.
Sleep, my babe, thy food and raiment, House and home, thy friends provide; All without thy care, or payment, All thy wants are well supplied.
How much better thou'rt attended Than the Son of G.o.d could be, When from heaven He descended, And became a child like thee!
Soft and easy is thy cradle; Coa.r.s.e and hard thy Saviour lay, When His birthplace was a stable, And His softest bed was hay.
See the kindly shepherds round him, Telling wonders from the sky!
When they sought Him, there they found Him, With his Virgin-Mother by.
See the lovely babe a-dressing; Lovely infant, how He smiled!
When He wept, the mother's blessing Soothed and hushed the holy child.
Lo, He slumbers in His manger, Where the honest oxen fed; --Peace, my darling! here's no danger!
Here's no ox a-near thy bed!
Mayst thou live to know and fear Him, Trust and love Him all thy days; Then go dwell forever near Him, See His face, and sing His praise!
I could give thee thousand kisses, Hoping what I most desire; Not a mother's fondest wishes Can to greater joys aspire.
Isaac Watts.
_The Christmas Silence_
Hushed are the pigeons cooing low On dusty rafters of the loft; And mild-eyed oxen, breathing soft, Sleep on the fragrant hay below.
Dim shadows in the corner hide; The glimmering lantern's rays are shed Where one young lamb just lifts his head, Then huddles 'gainst his mother's side.
Strange silence tingles in the air; Through the half-open door a bar Of light from one low-hanging star Touches a baby's radiant hair.
No sound: the mother, kneeling, lays Her cheek against the little face.
Oh human love! Oh heavenly grace!
'Tis yet in silence that she prays!
Ages of silence end to-night; Then to the long-expectant earth Glad angels come to greet His birth In burst of music, love, and light!
Margaret Deland.
