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yuletide.
For as we twine the holly wreaths,
And hang the mistletoe,
Memory awakes, and backward takes
Our thoughts to long ago;
And hang the mistletoe,
Memory awakes, and backward takes
Our thoughts to long ago;
And as we listen to the bells
And greetings kind and gay,
Our fond hearts yearn for the return
Of dear ones far away.
And greetings kind and gay,
Our fond hearts yearn for the return
Of dear ones far away.
Some sundered by the great wide sea,
Some singing 'mid the band
Of shining ones, in sweetest tones
Songs of the Better Land.
Some singing 'mid the band
Of shining ones, in sweetest tones
Songs of the Better Land.
O season of blest influence,
When from His heaven above,
The Christ imparts to coldest hearts
The warmth of Christian love.
When from His heaven above,
The Christ imparts to coldest hearts
The warmth of Christian love.
Dear season of rejoicing,
Sweet happy Chrismastide,
May the peace it brings on angels' wings
For aye with us abide.
Sweet happy Chrismastide,
May the peace it brings on angels' wings
For aye with us abide.