Poems (Strong)/Christmas-Eve in the South
CHRISTMAS-EVE IN THE SOUTH
'T is Christmas-eve, the moon shines bright, The palm-trees wave, the water gleams,The busy world is wrapped in sleep And sweet forgetfulness and dreams.
On such a night—silent, serene, 'Mid drowsing flocks with snow-white fleece,Some shepherds watched, with eager eyes, The coming of the Prince of Peace.
Perhaps yon planet in the West Shone down upon that wondrous Child,The Home of peace and joy and rest, All mirrored in His face so mild.
The three wise Kings from out the East, Traversing mountain, field, and ford,Perhaps were guided by that star To the cradle of their Lord.
Oh star, make plain my unknown path, Lighten the darkness drear and dread,And lead me to the new-born Christ Asleep in His manger-bed.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE FROM THE CATSKILLS AT COCOANUT GROVE DEC. 25, 1905