Our American Holidays - Christmas/The Christmas Fires

by Anne P. L. Field

THE CHRISTMAS FIRES

Anne P. L. Field

The Christmas fires brightly gleam
     And dance among the holly boughs,
The Christmas pudding's spicy steam
     With fragrance fills the house,
While merry grows each friendly soul
Over the foaming wassail bowl.

Resplendent stands the glitt'ring tree,
    Weighted with gifts for old and young.
The children's faces shine with glee,
    And joyous is each tongue,
While lads and lassies come and go
Under the festive mistletoe.

When suddenly the frosty air
    Is filled with music, voices sweet,
Lo! see the Christmas waits are there
    Snow-crowned and bare of feet,
Yet high and clear their voices ring.
And glad their Christmas carolling.

CAROL

O Child of Mary's tender care !
O little Child so pure and fair!
Cradled within the manger hay
On that divine first Christmas day!
The hopes of every age and race
Are centered in Thy radiant face !

O Child whose glory fills the earth!
O little Child of lowly birth !
The shepherds, guided from afar,
Stood worshiping beneath the star.
And wise-men fell on bended knee
And homage offered unto Thee!

O Child of whom the angels sing!
O little Child, our Infant King!
What balm for every sorrow lies
Within those clear, illumined eyes!
O precious gift to mortals given
To win us heritage in Heaven!