THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
Snowflakes and happy bells,
And hopeful words sincere,
And hands that grip, while from the lips
Fall words of Christmas cheer.
Snowflakes and shining eyes,
And the joy that giving gives,
That opes heart-gates in love, nor hates
A single thing that lives.
Snowflakes and prattle sweet,
Heart music and soft chimes,
And stories rare where friends compare
The present with past times.
Snowflakes and leaden skies,
And men in prison cells,
That make their moans to cold gray stones,
Nor hear thy chimes, O bells.
Snowflakes and hearts that break
In longing for sweet home,
And faces worn and passion torn
That brood uncheered alone.
Snowflakes and tolling bells,
And the slow tread on the snow,
The sobbing hushed, the teardrops brushed,
And saddened voices low.
Snowflakes, and o'er it all
The voice of One divine
Calls low and sweet, "Be glad, nor weep,
For rich and poor are Mine.
"Snowflakes—O ye who joy,
Remember My commands:
Clothe ye and feed all those in need
In this and other lands.
"Snowflakes—O prisoned ones,
Grieve not, but kneel and pray;
For tidings glad I bring the sad:
I ransomed men this day.
"Snowflakes—Rejoice, O earth!
None need this day be sad
That read aright My message bright,
That shines to make men glad."