With gaze enrapt, transfixed beyond
The infant nestling at her breast,
The mother views her heritage—
A child from God's creation blest.
So Mary saw beyond her babe,
Th' adoring angels close beside;
So one of old on Sinai's height
Faced light to lower planes denied.
But the star that shines in Bethlehem
Shines still, and shall not cease;
And we listen still to the tidings
Of glory and of peace.
