Poems (Kimball)/"Ring, Sweet Bells of Christendom"
"RING, SWEET BELLS OF CHRISTENDOM."
RING, sweet bells of Christendom, Everywhere the tidings tellHow the Lord to earth did come— Ring and tell!
Swift to seek and save the lost, More than merciful He came;Glad to pay life's bitter cost Jesus came.
Prince of Peace, the Heavenly King, As a mortal babe disguisedHe appeared whom angels sing— Earth-disguised.
Love Divine in human frame, Of the lowly lowliest He;Stript of glory, in His shame Gloried He.
Empty-handed from His birth, Gifts exceeding price He brought;Treasures hidden not in earth Jesus brought.
To the blind, unclouded sight; To the dumb, the voice of praise; And to all in darkness, light— Joy and praise,
To the poor, the Gospel's wealth; To the rich, the spirit poor; And to all His saving health— Rich and poor.
To the heavy-laden, rest; To the mourner, words of life And to all—the last and best— Endless life.
In the perfect path He trod, Still His footprints mark the way; Out to men and up to God Show the way.
Out to men in love that breaks Bread of charity with all, And—thrice blessed then!— forsakes Self for all.
Up to God in deeds like prayers, In obedience to Him, And in faith—love's altar-stairs Reared to Him.
Ring, sweet bells of Christendom, Far and near the tidings tell How the Lord to earth did come— Ring and bell!
Join, good Christians, east and west, In Emmanuel's endless praise, And with deeds of mercy best Show His praise!
Still the Christmas angels sing: "Glory be to God Most High!" The eternal echoes ring: "God Most High!"
Lift your songs in unison: "Peace on earth, good-will to men!" Mingle song and life in one Wide "Amen!"