HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS EVE.
Reading edition
A mighty world is hushed to-night In sweet expectancy; O’er snowy field and wood the stainless light Of the clear moon Shines broad and free; While peacefully the earth— A great white throne Prepared for One who soon Shall rise and claim it for His own— Awaits His birth. The hearts of all mankind are turned Toward lowly Bethlehem; For in the east the wondrous Star, that burned In days of old, Still beckons them. Back o’er the centuries, Storm-swept and bare, It moves, until, behold! It stands above the manger where The Young Child lies. O Christmas chimes, right joyfully Ring out the tidings glad To stars and frosty air and listening sky,— “Good-will to men!” Till all the sad, The weary and oppressed, Their gifts shall bring To Him whose birth again Sheds peace on earth, and, worshipping, Shall be at rest.
