Christmas returns. There comes again
The cloudless sky, with stars alight;
The shepherds' watch; the sweet refrain
Of angels,—and the quiet night.
A gladsome song, that down the years
Has echoed in the hearts of men,—
Has healed the sick, has dried the tears
Of many a sorrowing Magdalen,—
Is sung to-day. We bow the head
In reverent hush before the theme:
"On earth, good-will to peace is wed,—
Love reigns. Awake! O ye that dream."
