eHymns.org

Eleanor A. Hunter

George Coles

Alvin (Bud) Herman Manz in 2005

From ev'ry spire on Christmas Eve
The Christmas bells ring clearly out
Their message of goodwill and peace,
With many'a call and silver shout;
For faithful hearts, the angels' song
Still echoes in the frosty air,
And by the altar low they bow,
In adoration and in prayer.

A thousand blessed mem'ries throng,
The stars are holy signs to them,
And from the eyes of ev'ry child
Looks forth the Babe of Bethlehem;
But there are others, not like these,
Whose brows are sad, whose hopes are crossed,
To whom the season brings no cheer,
And life's most gracious charm is lost:

To whom that story, old and sweet,
Is but a fable at the best;
The Christmas music mocks their ears,
And life has naught of joy and rest.
Oh! for an angel's voice to pierce
The clouds of grief that o'er them rise,
The mists of doubt and unbelief
That veil the blue of Christmas skies;

That they, at last, may see the light
Which shines from Bethl'hem, and unfold
For Christ the treasures of their hearts,
Richer than spicery or gold.
Hope of the ages, draw Thou near,
Till all the earth shall own Thy sway,
And when Thou reign'st in ev'ry heart
It will, indeed, be Christmas Day.