Poems (Hoffman)/Two Christmas Pictures
TWO CHRISTMAS PICTURES
Holly-berries on the hills,Bright above the rocks and rills,Mistletoe in tree-tops high,Throned against the wintry sky.Unattended flocks that strayO'er the hill-slopes far away.In the East, bright stars that shineWith a radiance half divine;Christmas carols on the airGladly sounding, everywhere,Chimes from many a bell-tower tallFalling sweetly over all;Fair the scene, but dim and cold,When we look on that of old,Bethlehem of prophecy,Looking out toward the sea,Lying midst her hills of greenGlistening in her starlight sheen;While the shepherds guard their flocksResting by the silent rocks;And the wise men, from afarWatch their glorious, guiding star.Hush! the air with music swellsSweeter than the chime of bells,Look! a heavenly choir attendsGlory's light from heaven descends;Sweetly o'er those vine-wreathed knolls,That majestic chorus rolls,'Till the shepherds catch the strain:"Peace on earth, good will to men." No bright angels throng these skiesMaking earth a paradise,But the glorious song they sungTrembles now on every tongue;Infant voices now proclaim:"Peace on earth, good will to men."So we gaze on each bright sceneWhere long ages roll betweenThat, more glorious brightThis, in a serener light;But the reign of peace begunEvermore its race shall run;Now we see its silvery tideDown the rolling ages glide;And each Christmas, sing again:"Peace on earth, good will to men."