Lo! the day is waking
In the east afar;
Dawn is faintly breaking,
Sunk in every star.
Christmas eve has vanished
With its shadows gray;
All its griefs are banished
By bright Christmas day.
Joyful chimes are ringing
O'er the land and seas,
And there comes glad singing,
Borne on every breeze.
Little ones so merry
Bed-clothes coyly lift,
And, in such a hurry,
Prattle "Christmas gift!"
Little heads so curly,
Knowing Christmas laws,
Peep out very early
For old "Santa Claus".
Little eyes are laughing
O'er their Christmas toys,
Older ones are quaffing
Cups of Christmas joys.
Hearts are joyous, cheerful,
Faces all are gay;
None are sad and tearful
On bright Christmas day.
Hearts are light and bounding,
All from care are free;
Homes are all resounding
With the sounds of glee.
Feet with feet are meeting,
Bent on pleasure's way;
Souls to souls give greeting
Warm on Christmas day.
Gifts are kept a-going
Fast from hand to hand;
Blessings are a-flowing
Over every land.