When Christ our Lord was born
On Christmas night!
Then came the “Visit to the Manger.” Long ranks of children were formed in the aisles, and, led by two trumpeters from the Metropolitan Opera House blowing “Waken, Christian Children,” they marched in solemn procession to the vestibule under the spire, right in the main entrance, where the manger was situated.
On a platform, raised so that everybody could see it, was a representation of the Night at Bethlehem. All the characters in that first drama of Christianity were there; the sheep and cattle stood munching straw—or so it seemed. Lighted candles glowed on them, and overhead boomed the great organ, while the children’s voices sang as they looked and marched on:
Waken, Christian children.
Up! and let us sing
With glad voice the praises
Of our new-born King.
Up! ’Tis meet to welcome,
With a joyful lay.