STARS OF CHEER
Reading edition
By Caroline D. Swan
The silent Christmas stars shine cool and clear Above a world of mingled joy and woe; On peaceful cottage homes, with thanks aglow For royal bounty of the grape-crowned year; And on red fields of blood, where many a tear Is wiped away by Death, a gentle foe, More merciful than they who bade it flow. Shine, silver stars, rain down your blessed cheer! Comfort the mourner with your Angel song! The Christ-Child reigns. Behold His tiny hand Upraised in benediction warm and sweet! O’er every joy and every bitter wrong The Babe of Bethlehem hath supreme command; Come, worship, kings and peoples, at His feet!