The Day of Days.
Solo. ’Twas eighteen hundred years ago,
Not in a region of ice and snow,
But far in the land of the early morn,
The oldest of lands, our Christ was born.
Concert. Of all the joy-days under the sun,
Of all the holidays, there’s but one
That comes to the heart, and clings to the home—
Christmas has come!
Solo. Still through the length of the multiplied years,
Sunshine of pleasure, and rainfall of tears,
Changes and growth in wonderful ways,
Christmas remains the great day of days.
Concert. The day of the hope that casteth out fear,
The day of all days that brings good cheer
In the country’s peace and the city’s hum—
Christmas has come!
Solo. Now in the uttermost ends of the earth
The story is told of the Christ-child’s birth;
And millions, wherever the sun’s rays fall,
Are kin in the hope that is dear to all.
Concert. All over the lands and far out on the seas
Is a lifting of voices and bowing of knees;
And alike to us all, if we rest or roam,
Christmas has come!
Solo. Wherever the blessings of mortals increase,
With customs and laws that give joy and peace;
Where science and art yield comfort and bliss,
All over the world there is no day like this.
Concert. Of all the joy-days under the sun,
Of all the holidays, there’s but one
That touches the heart and clings to the home—
Christmas has come!