The Evangel

THE songs of Christmas had not ceased
Upon the New Year’s air
When first, from realms unknown released.
Her spirit sought our care.

And ’mid the watch with hope and dread,
Hark! in the dawn-light dim
One in the nursery overhead
Wakes with a crooning hymn.

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All thoughtless sings the boy; —
Shall lisping lips foretell the flight
Of fear, the flood of joy ?

Fear not — still hear the herald sing
The treasured words of old;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring —
The ancient truth is told!

For now the first small plaintive cry
Of life stirs with the morn,
And Heaven to earth again draws nigh —
To us a child is born.

Thus came the Child of God to earth;
And since the world began
An angel song for each dear birth
Rings in the heart of man.