Christmas Bells

Hark! The Christmas Bells Are Ringing,

Ringing through the frosty air,—

Happiness to each one bringing,

And release from toil and care.

How the merry peal is swelling

From the gray old crumbling tower,

To the simplest creature telling

Of Almighty love and power.

Ankle-deep the snow is lying;

Every spray is clothed in white;

Yet abroad the folk are hieing,

Brisk and busy, gay and light.

Now fresh helps and aids are offered

To the aged and the poor,

And rare love-exchanges proffered

At the lowliest cottage door.

Neighbors shaking hands and greeting,

No one sorrowing, no one sad;

Children, loving parents meeting,

Young and old alike are glad.

Then while Christmas bells are ringing,

Rich and poor, your voices raise,

And, your simple carol singing,

Waft to heaven your grateful praise.

—Unknown.

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

—Luke ii. 10, 11.