Then spake the first king, and he said: 66 “O Child most heavenly, bright and fair, The second then: "I bring thee here Me with a heavenly robe of white!" 66 The third king gave his gift, and quoth: So may their incense some time rise Thus spake the three kings of Cologne Yet have I brought a gift the Child The Glad Evangel The Glad Evangel For here I lay my heart to-day, EUGENE FIELD. A Christmas Hymn It was the calm and silent night! And now was queen of land and sea. Held undisturbed their ancient reign, 'Twas in the calm and silent night! His breast with thoughts of boundless sway; What recked the Roman what befell A paltry province far away, In the solemn midnight, Centuries ago? Within that province far away Went plodding home a weary boor; Falling through a half-shut stable-door Oh, strange indifference! low and high One that shall thrill the world for ever! Centuries ago! It is the calm and solemn night! A thousand bells ring out, and throw Their joyous peals abroad, and smite The darkness-charmed and holy now! The night that erst no name had worn, To it a happy name is given; The Glad Evangel The Glad Evangel For in that stable lay, new-born, The peaceful prince of earth and heaven, ALFRED DOMMETT. O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night. For Christ is born of Mary, And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem! Our Lord Emmanuel! PHILLIPS BROOKS. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by While shepherds watched their flocks by night, All seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around. "Fear not," said he, for mighty dread 66 Had seized their troubled mind; Glad tidings of great joy I bring The Glad Evangel |