Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CHRISTMAS DAY, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CHRISTMAS DAY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Of all dear days is christmas day
Last Line: In all the winds that blow.
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): Bethlehem, Palestine; Children; Christmas; Jesus Christ - Childhood & Youth; Peace; Childhood; Nativity, The


OF all dear days is Christmas day
The dearest and the best;
Still in its dawn the angels sing
Their song of peace and rest.
And yet the blessed Christ-Child comes
And walks the shining way,
Which brings to simple earthly homes
Heaven's light on Christmas day.

Then, deep in silent woods, the trees—
The hemlock, pine, and fir—
Thrill to the chilly winter breeze,
And waft a breath of myrrh;
And far and near Kriss Kringle's bells
Their airy music shake,
And dancing feet of boys and girls
A sweeter joyance make.

The Christ-Child came to Bethlehem,
To Mary's happy breast,
And found within her brooding arms
A warm encircling nest.
And many a tiny cherub child
In mother's arms to-day
Smiles like the Christ, the undefiled,
On this dear Christmas day.

The Christ-Child's mother dimly saw
The cross in faint outline
Above the baby face that held
Her own in awe divine.
Thus over little cradle-beds
The sacred passion-flower
Its purple sign of sorrow spreads
In love's ecstatic hour.

To Mary's feet the Wise Men brought
Their gifts of gold and spice;
The "Gloria" swept the midnight skies
To greet her Pearl of Price.
And down the ladder of the stars,
Across the shining way,
The angels watched the Christ-Child come
That first dear Christmas day.

Of all dear days is Christmas day.
The very dearest dear,
The crown and clasp and topmost sheaf
Of all the joyful year.
Then dancing feet of boys and girls
Go gayly to and fro,
And "Merry, merry Christmas" rings
In all the winds that blow.





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