Christmas by Eleanor A. Hunter

Restored vintage postcard of angels with instruments and church.

 

Christmas
by Eleanor A. Hunter

The rounded hills in quiet lay;
The Shepherds watch were keeping;
Clothed in soft fleece, in warmth and peace,
Their gentle flocks were sleeping.
No sound was there in earth or air,
Through wind-swept, star-lit spaces;
O'er field and hill the wind blew chill,
And o'er the shepherds' faces.

When suddenly through parted skies
A wondrous light was beaming,
And crowds of angels filled the air
From out heaven's portals streaming;
Abroad their glorious wings they spread,
Their throats with song were swelling;
In garments bright, with looks of light
The shepherds' fears dispelling.

Ah, long ago that song was sung,
Of "Glory in the highest,
Good-will and peace to all mankind,"
When heaven to earth drew nighest,
Because that night the Lord of Light
Came down to earth a stranger,
Was born within a stable old,
Was cradled in a manger.

The brown-eyed cattle watched His sleep,
The shepherds sought and found Him,
Led by the Star that shone afar,
The wise men knelt around Him;
Spices and gold they brought of old,
With joy rich gifts left with Him;
And you have too, my golden head,
A little heart to give Him.

'Mid crash and clang of Christmas bells
That ring so loud and cheerly,
Forget not that He cam a child
Because He loved you dearly.
Give sweeter kiss, give closer clasp,
Give gentler Christmas greeting,
Remembering Him whose blessed name
It is you are repeating.