| We count the years by
hundreds Since that first Christmas day. When in a lowly manger The little Christ-child lay. |
| That night some shepherds
tending Their flocks upon the hill, Heard heavenly voices singing, "Peace, peace! On earth, good will." |
| All bright as noon-tide
splendor. A light about them shone, While louder sang the angels, "A Saviour hath been born!" |
| And then a sudden
darkness— The voices died away, The wondering shepherds hurried To where the young Child lay. |
| Their flocks were all
untended, While filled with love and awe, They bent above the manger And the Baby Jesus saw. |
| Then, too, the wise men
watching Beheld a star that shone, In the blue heavens above them To tell that Christ was born. |
| And with their camels
laden With spices and gold. They came from eastern countries The young King to behold. |
| The star still went before
them, And pointing out the way, It shone upon the stable Where the Babe of Bethlehem lay |
| And then, all lowly
bending, They worshipped the young King, And gave him from their treasures Full many an offering. |
Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Kriss Kringle, etc.: