HARK! the bells ringing! In the deep night, in the depth of the winter of Man, Lo! once more the son is born. O agelong, not in Nazareth alone, Nor now to-day—but through all ages of the past, The bells of Christmas ringing: The Savior-music like a dream from heaven Touching the slumbering heart. Sweet promise which the people with unerring instinct cling to! O winter sun arising never more to set! O Nature slowly changing, slow transforming to the hearts of men, Shrine of the soul, shrine of the new-born god—of Man himself. |