Christmas Verse.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 237, 22 December 1916, Page 3 (Supplement)

Christmas Verse.

A HYMX OF BETHLEHEM. G little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie; Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in the dark streets shineth The everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night. tor Christ is born of Marr: And gathered all above,' A\ hile mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wond'ring love. 0 morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth; And praises sing to" God the King, And pence to men on earth. How silently, how silently. The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human heart* The blessings of his heav»n. Xo ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, W here meek souls will receive Him still The denr Christ enters in. 0 holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us to-day. hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; 0 come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel. —Phil Hps Brooks. THOUGHTS, WORDS, AXD DEEDS. If you've a loving thought this Christmastide For any suffering, struggling soul Iteside you, To whom life's sweeter joys have been denied, To who.ll came sorrow that has not yet tried you— Then think it. IT you've a kindly word for high or low, For fortune-favoured or for luckless brother; Be not ashamed to let the greeting go To gratify the one or cheer the other— Just speak it. If you've a coin that might be spared to give A crumb of comfort to the poor and needy, That might- urge some poor soul anew to live, Let all your goodness spur you to be speedy— And give it. J»v loving thoughts our minds are purified, By kindly words we lead' to kindly action; B;-. freely giving are our virtues tried. The giver's love, the taker's satisfaction— At Christmas. James L. Hume. Tasman : an Mail.