Poems (Blake)/A Christmas Hymn
A CHRISTMAS HYMN.
Father of life and love!While the full echo high and higher swellsFrom the glad chiming of the Christmas bells, Lift we our hearts above.
Up from the weary caresThat spring like weeds around the ways of life,From thorny paths of passion and of strife, We mount the golden stairs,—
The golden stairs of prayerThat pierce the secrets of Thy dwelling-place,And leave us with Thy presence face to face, To pour our soul out there.
Hear us, O Power divine!Infuse our weakness with Thy steadfast will,That joy or woe may lead us nearer still To join our lives with Thine.
Grant us one little sparkFrom the white light that burns before Thy throne,To fire our hearts and make them all Thine own, Though days be fair or dark.
So shall the time be blest,Whether we strike with purpose firm and high,Or stand with Thy mute workers waiting by To gain the promised rest.
And as the years increase,Here in the flesh, or in the spirit there,Our souls shall reap the harvest-tide of prayer, Thy Christmas gift of Peace.