In the dark shadow of the Adam-dream
The world still slumbered, wrapped in deepest sleep;
Into the darkness of the mortal thought
Had penetrated scarce a ray of light.
Egypt, enthroned in all her pride of power;
In bondage Israel, with all her sons.
Then from the mother-heart of Israel
There rose a prayer of deep and pure desire
That unto them a savior God would raise.
The prayer was heard; and a deliverer came
To those who toiled 'neath Pharaoh's angry lash
. For unto them a child was born, to come
Beneath the cruel law of Egypt's king
That no man-child should live to Israel.
The slowly passing days merged into months
Of brooding care. And then to sacrifice,
The human sense of love rose purified.
And on the stagnant stream of mortal mind
A bark of precious promise found its way,
Where Egypt's burning sun blazed on the Nile.
A loving hand received the cradled bark—
And thus was freedom brought to Israel.
Once more the mother-heart of Israel
Awoke from years of darkness to the light;
Awoke to God as Father—Love o'er all—
And prayed the promised Prince of Peace might come.
Pale hung the moon above far Bethlehem,
Dimmed by the shining of that wondrous star
That flamed across the heavens through the night.
Lo, in a humble manger lay the child.
Faith, hope, and love again had conquered sin;
Once more to Israel deliv'rance came.
