THE CANDLE TREE

O hush, little brother, step soft on the stair This Christmas morning; for waiting there Is the candle-tree, with its flowers of light All shining and blossoming bright, so bright: Isn’t it good to bloom for us so When all other trees are asleep in the snow? Only on Christmas day it comes While the white snow flies and the north wind hums; When the spirit of giving is in the air Then we are sure to find it there. O hush, little brother, step soft and light Lest it fade like a dream-thing away from sight!

For under its branches are sheltered here The things we’ve wanted through all the year; The doll I dreamed about months ago, The scarlet horn that you wanted so New books and pictures, all waiting, see,— Under the care of the candle-tree! And over its branches and all about Peace and contentment and joy shine out, Making the world a beautiful place Making me say, as I lift my face, “O wonderful, wonderful, candle-tree, The light of the Christ-child is over me!”