Gently as the snowflakes falling
From a dark and cloudy sky;
Sweetly as showers of cherry blooms
From grey branches bare and dry;
Comes the Angel of His Presence
Out of clouds that dim the sight,
Bringing peace like breath of perfume,
Clothing earth in robes of white.
'Tis the same sweet voice of "Peace"
That the faithful shepherds heard:
And the storm-tossed, frightened sailors
Saw the waves obey the word
That we hear while we are working,
Ofttimes in a starry night;
Sore afraid we call the Master,
And his "Peace" puts fear to flight.
Oft while climbing rugged hillsides.
Footsore, weary, and alone,—
Arms invisible, everlasting.
Round us lovingly are thrown.
And the crooked paths are straightened,
Stones and briers are brushed aside
By that Presence, "Prince of Peace,"
Counselor, companion, guide.
So like showers of cherry blooms,
Fragrant let our deeds of love
Sweeten barren lives around us
With pure thoughts born from above.
And when storms and tempests gather,
And the darkening clouds drop rain,
O'er the waves walks Love victorious,—
With His "Peace" Christ comes again.
