CHRISTMAS HYMN. W CHRISTMAS HYMN. HEN Jordan hushed his waters still, When Bethlehem's shepherds through the night Watched o'er the flocks by starry light: Hark! from the midnight hills around, A voice of more than mortal sound Wild murmurings o'er the raptured soul. Then swift to every startled eye New streams of glory light the sky; On wheels of light, on wings of flame, The glorious hosts of Zion came; High heaven with songs of triumph rung, "O Zion! lift thy raptured eye, The long-expected hour is nigh; The joys of nature rise again, The Prince of Salem comes to reign. "See, Mercy from her golden urn Pours a rich stream to those that mourn! Behold, she binds with tender care, The bleeding bosom of despair! "He comes to cheer the trembling heart, Bids Satan and his host depart; Again the day-star gilds the gloom; Again the bowers of Eden bloom. "O Zion! lift thy raptured eye, CHRISTMAS DAY W HAT sudden blaze of song Spreads o'er the expanse of heaven! In waves of light it thrills along, The angelic signal given "Glory to God!" from yonder central fire, Flows out the echoing lay beyond the starry_quire! Like circles widening round Upon a clear blue river, Orb after orb, the wondrous sound Is echoed on for ever: Glory to God on high, on earth be peace, Yet stay, before they dare To join that festal throng; Listen and mark what gentle air First stirred the tide of song; "Tis not "The Saviour born in David's home, To Whom for power and health obedient worlds should come.” With fixed adoring look, The choir of angels caught the word, Nor yet their silence broke; But when they heard the sign, where Christ should be, In sudden light they shone and heavenly harmony. Wrapped in His swaddling bands, And in His manger laid, The Hope and Glory of all lands No peaceful home upon His cradle smiled, Guests rudely went and came, where slept the Royal Child. But where Thou dwellest, Lord, No other thought should be, Once duly welcomed and adored, How should I part with Thee ! Bethlehem must lose Thee soon; but Thou wilt grace The single heart to be Thy sure abiding-place. Thee, on the bosom laid Of a pure virgin mind, In quiet ever, and in shade, Shepherd and sage may find; They who have bowed untaught to Nature's sway, The pastoral spirits first Approach Thee, Babe Divine ; For they in lowly thoughts are nursed, Meet for Thy lowly shrine: Sooner than they should miss where Thou dost dwell, Angels from heaven will stoop to guide them to Thy cell. |