THE FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1715, 11 January 1905, Page 13

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE.

It was midnight on the hilltop, and the fire was dim and low. While the weary shepherds ■slumbered round the embers’ dying glow, When a light shone round about them, brighter far than light of day. And they saw an angel standing in its pure and living ray*. He was dressed in white apparel, and his face was gravely sweet, And ha spake unto them gently as they bowed them at his feet. “Fear ye not,” for they were trouble J. “News of peace and joy I bring— For to-night in David’s city Christ is born, your Lord and King.” And lie spoke, a down the heavens, borne as on the ocean’s swell, Angel forms came floating nearer, angel voices rose and fell; “Unto God the highest glory’. Peace on. earth. To men goodwill,” Pealed the anthem, that triumphant echoes down the ages still. As the an gel-vision vanished, and tl| song grew faint and far. Clear and radiant in the heavens steadfast shone the guiding star; Then they travelled on and onward till they’ reached the lonely’ shed, Where the King of all the nations in a manger laid liis head. And the night was hushed and holy, while the star shone over them, And the angel-song rang softly’, “Christ is horn in Bethlehem !”

Nineteen hundred years have fleeted since the shepherds heard that song, Since Judear’s hills were brightened hy the presence of that throng; But ad own the distant ages, when tlie christmas-time draws near. And our hearts and homes are brightened with the Christmas warmth and cheer---When our hearts with love grow warmer as the light glows in a gem Softly’ steals the angels’ message, “’Christ is born in Bethlehem I” —“St. Nicholas.”