A Christmas Hymn

The first time that the skies grew bright

When Heav­en lay op­en wide

And an­gels gleamed adown the night

Of one still coun­try­side;

’Twas when the al­mighty Heir of all

Came forth

a help­less child

Amid the dark­ness of a stall

And through our na­ture smiled.

Far down in Be­ing

but for­got

By none who watched afar.

Above the low­ly

hid­den spot

Was buoyed one float­ing star.

Then an­gels

up the heights of sky

Flashed glo­ry with their shout

And o’er the wide earth sleep­ing nigh

Fell words of peace about.