O little children, if love ye bring,
It equals the gift of shepherd or king.
So kneel, little children, and humbly pray,
Your gifts carry blessing on Christmas day.
(All kneel and sing. Music, "Gaudeamus Igitur." For music see conclusion Noah's Flood.)
Father of all children,
For all children we would pray:
Thou who gave a little child
To the world on Christmas day,
Grant our gifts may carry gladness,
Grant our love may banish sadness.
Lead us in the loving way,
Lead us in the loving way.
(All rise. The Class comes forward and places the stockings in manger. Then all disperse, singing a Christmas carol.)
(At the conclusion, if so desired, a very little child may repeat these lines by Christina Rossetti.)
"What can I give Him, Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb;
If I were a wise king, I would do my part.
What can I give Him? Give my heart!"
The End.