They Were Asleep I wonder why it was the shepherds were The only ones to hear the angels sing, To see that wonderful event occur, And hear the message of the new born King. Perhaps the midnight hour was just at hand; The silver moon had set, and dark ness deep And solemn lay across the listening land, And all the weary world was lost in sleep. If they had known— if they had only known The time of His appearing and His birth, When He should come to seek and save His own And tell a warring world of peace on earth— They would have watched and waited all the night, The candles lighted and the door ajar, Lest they should miss the angels in their flight. Or fail to see the glory of His star. And when the lightning breaks across the blue, And He comes back to take His bride away. W ill we be watching, faithful, loyal, true? Or will we, like so many in that day, Be fast asleep? Oh, many are asleep! The Bridegroom tarries, but His hour is nigh, Now let us, like the shepherds, watch and keep Our eager vigil while the stars go by. — E. B. Bolkcom
Christmas Prayer Lord I remember that there was a star, And frightened sheep, and shepherds guarding them; A song, a stable, and Wise Men from far— Lord, I remember Bethlehem. Lord, I remember that there was a hill, A jeering crowd, Thy voice, and over three Lone crosses darkness creeping, close and still— Lord I remember Calvary. Lord, I remember that there was a room. And waiting figures, praying, who had lost Thyself. Then wind! A flame that banished gloom— Lord, I remember Pentecost. I may not pause beside the manger bed Too long, remembering, tonight: I climb The long, long road to Calvary in stead— Though it again be Christmas time. I see Thy body bearing all my doom; I bow my head before Thy Cross in shame; And of my heart I make an upper room— Lord kindle it, anew, with flame! — Helen Frazee-Bower Christmas is a Vision Of eternal things: A fleeting glimpse of Heaven— The touch of Angel-wings. Christmas is a Splendor Of Celestial Light: A Voice— a Song— a Promise In the W orld's dark Night. Christmas is1the Glory Of a Wonder-Star, To guide all seeking W ise Men Along Earth-joUrney far. Christmas is M a n 's knowing What Is Christmas?
The Beautiful Gift What can a mother give her children Greater today than this one great thing— Faith in an old, sweet, beautiful story, A star— a stable— a new-born King? Shining faith in the young lad, Jesus; Lover of high white things was He: Jesus— straight as a Lebanon cedar; Jesus, clean as the winds from the sea. Faith in the young lad come to man hood; Jesus, compassionate, tender and true— Oh, my children— what more glorious Gift in the world can I give to you? Carry it high like a lamp in the dark ness, Hold it for warmth when the day is cold— Keep it for joy when youth goes sing ing, Clasp it for peace when you are old. What can a mother give her children More than a faith that will not dim? Take it, my dear ones— hold it for ever; A lamp for a life time faith in Him. — -Grace Noll Crowell
'Goodwill' from above: The Supreme Bestowing Of the Father's Love.
— Jessie Cameron Alison
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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