Volume I Part 48 (1/2)
The Ox is host in Judah stall And Host of more than onelie one, For close she gathereth withal Our Lorde her littel Sonne.
Glad Hinde and King Their Gyfte may bring, But wo'd to-night my Teares were there, Amen, Amen: Between her Bosom and His hayre!
Louise Imogen Guiney [1861-1920]
CHRISTMAS CAROL
As Joseph was a-waukin', He heard an angel sing, ”This night shall be the birthnight Of Christ our heavenly King.
”His birth-bed shall be neither In housen nor in hall, Nor in the place of paradise, But in the oxen's stall.
”He neither shall be rocked In silver nor in gold, But in the wooden manger That lieth in the mould.
”He neither shall be washen With white wine nor with red, But with the fair spring water That on you shall be shed.
”He neither shall be clothed In purple nor in pall, But in the fair, white linen That usen babies all.”
As Joseph was a-waukin', Thus did the angel sing, And Mary's son at midnight Was born to be our King.
Then be you glad, good people, At this time of the year; And light you up your candles, For His star it s.h.i.+neth clear.
Unknown
”BRIGHTEST AND BEST OF THE SONS OF THE MORNING”
Brightest and best of the Sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid!
Star of the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our Infant Redeemer is laid!
Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are s.h.i.+ning, Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall; Angels adore Him in slumber reclining, Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all!
Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion, Odors of Edom and offerings divine?
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation; Vainly with gifts would His favor secure: Richer by far is the heart's adoration; Dearer to G.o.d are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the Sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid!
Star of the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our Infant Redeemer is laid!
Reginald Heber [1783-1826]
CHRISTMAS BELLS