£ its ./it> r «*W Copyright, 1917, Tillie C. Jeroleman. Y ©CU47G797 OCT 2? 1917 fc«% ft / } CHRISTMAS VY/HEN the earth is cold and dreary ** And the winter winds are strong, — When the hours of day pass quickly And the nights are dark and long, — Then to cheer us Christmas comes, with joy and song. When the trees stand bare and leafless Reaching upward, toward the sky. When, at touch of frosty fingers. Flowers of summer droop and die, — Then green garlands, Christmas wreaths we hang on high. When the birds, from silent woodlands. Toward the South, have taken wing. Then, the wintry stillness thrilling. Bells of Christmas sweetly ring. And glad voices Happy Christmas Carols sing. Day of days ! Our hearts beat gladly As we greet, year after year, Christmas, with its glad surprises, Christmas, with its joy and cheer; Day of gladness. Day of memories, — Oh, so dear ! NATURE'S CHRISTMAS MUSIC I IKE a grand old anthem, rising *- J Through Cathedral arches, dim. So, through all the world, is sounding Christ, our Saviour's natal hymn; Hark ! the low voice of old Ocean Rolling, — breaking on the shore, — "Glory in the highest, glory !" . Sound the deep tones, evermore. Then the stars join in the chorus. Ringing from the midnight sky — "Glory in the highest — glory — Glory be to God on high !" "Peace on earth !" in softest whisper This, the message of the snow. Like a blessed benediction Falling on the earth below. Pine-trees, in the fragrant woodland Linger sweetly on the strain. Rustling, — murmuring together — "Oh, good-will, good-will to men." All earth's mountains, hills, and valleys Shout for joy the glad refrain. In sweet harmony, proclaiming "Peace on earth, good-will to men." Let the voices of all people Rising to the vaulted sky. Join the universal anthem, — "Glory be to God, on high t" PROPHECY FULFILLED ONG had earth waited for some blessed token That Israel's promised King should soon appear; Surely, Jehovah's word could not be broken. Surely, the time, the promised time drew near. This was the word of hope the Lord had given By holy prophets, in the long ago; "Lo ! One shall come, from highest Courts of Heaven To rule, to bless, to save the world below !" Long had been hushed the voice of ancient sages; Long had prophetic lips been dumb and still; But, sounding down, through all the distant ages, "Thus saith the Lord !" the words came ringing [still. And so earth waited; and the hosts of glory Gathered about the battlements above, To watch the unfolding of redemption's story, — The wondrous workings of redeeming love: Nor watched in vain; for at the time appointed. In humble garb of flesh, the Saviour came; Messiah ! Prince of peace ! The Lord's Anointed ! Forever blessed be his Holy Name ! THE ANGELS' SONG A STORY— wonderful but true, "^* A story — old, but ever new, A sweet, sweet song I bring to you, "Glory in the highest." In a rude manger, far away Long, long ago the Saviour lay, Jesus was born on Christmas-day, Glory in the highest ! He came from Heaven, — that land afar. Beyond each distant, twinkling star. He came, and left the gates ajar, — Then, through those gates, a song poured forth And softly floated down to earth, A song of joy at Jesus* birth — "Glory in the highest." So far away, men did not hear Until the shining ones drew near Singing, with voices loud and clear- "Glory in the highest !** Shepherds were seated on the ground , When lo ! a light shone all around And, looking up, they caught the sound; "Fear not, fear not, good news we bring. To you is born a Saviour — King !" Good news indeed, well might they sing "Glory in the highest !" Shepherds ran with eager feet Telling all they chanced to meet Of the angels' song, so sweet; So would we the story tell, — Jesus came, with men to dwell. Hail ! all hail, Immanuel, Glory in the highest ! A LITTLE BOY'S WISH I'VE been thinking of the story Mama told me yesterday. Of some happy shepherds, living In a country far away; And I have been thinking, — wishing That my Papa had been one, — One of those rejoicing shepherds, I, his happy little son. When he left our home that evening. Said "Good-night" and stroked my head Clasping both my arms about him This is what I would have said, — "Please, Papa, let me go with you. No, I will not fall asleep, I will keep the lambs from straying While you watch and guard the sheep." Then I would have walked beside him. Through the darkness, all the way To the fields, where, white and fleecy. Mother-sheep and lambkins lay; And we would have watched them, sleeping. Sitting close. Papa and I, Till the light— the song — the glory Burst upon us, from the sky. THE CHRISTMAS STORY (^HRISTMAS-BELLS are ringing. Ringing joyfully. Hear the echoes sounding Over land and sea; Sounding forth the tidings Of that blessed morn When, in David's City, Christ, the Lord was born ! Far and near Sweet and clear Let the glad bells ring. While our happy voices Christmas carols sing. Oh, we love the story Of that blessed night When, around the shepherds Fell a wondrous light; And the song of angels Sweetly sounded forth, — "Glory in the highest, — Peace ! Good-will on earth !— Fear ye not— Fear ye not — " Thus the angel said, "Ye shall find the Saviour In a manger laid." Dazzled by the brightness Shepherds lift their eyes Listening to the message Sounding from the skies. Theirs the light and glory. And the notes of song. But the joyful tidings To the world belong; Ring the bells — Ring the bells — Let the people say, — "Christ, the World's Redeemer Came to earth today P* srfrss: GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY "I BRING you good tidings," oh, wonderful song * That floated to earth, from the angelic throng; Joy ! Joy to the world ! Good tidings, indeed God's infinite gift to man's infinite need. Good news for the young, in life's happiest days. Who walk in the light of the sun's early rays; Oh, hear the glad tidings, in life's happy morn, "Unto you," sang the angel, "a Saviour is born !" Tell the news to the old, who are longing for rest. The daylight is fading away in the west; Oh, tell them that Jesus, the Saviour has come To open the doors of a glorious home. And listen, oh men in the noonday of life. Mid the din of its battles, the heat of its strife. Let the tumult be hushed, let earth's clamor be still. And hear the sweet melody, "Peace and good-will !" Oh, let the good tidings ring round the whole earth ! The blessings that come with Emmanuel's birth "Shall be to all people," — this was the glad word. All nations may welcome Messiah, the Lord ! CHRISTMAS-TIDE A T CHRISTMAS the sky is cold and gray, ** The nights are long-and the earth is drear. And yet we call it the brightest day. The very brightest in all the year; Listen, the reason you shall hear. Long, long ago, on a winter night. Through an opening rift, in the starry sky. Came a wonderful, glorious light, Radiant gleams from the world on high Ah ! too dazzling for mortal eye. For God's own glory filled all the place, — The peaceful pastures of Bethlehem. Fell on each shepherd's upturned face, — Circled each brow, like a diadem. Oh, 'twas a wonderful sight for them ! The opening closed in the starry heaven. The wonderful glory passed away; But not till a message had been given That brightens earth with its joy to-day. A joy that will live in our hearts, — alway. This was the message,— "The Christ is born," Oh, blessed tidings of hope and cheer ! The Saviour came on the Christmas-morn ! Therefore we hold it the day most dear. The very brightest in all the year. THE FIRST FALL OF SNOW F\ECEMBER had come, and the air was chill. The voice of the wind was loud and shrill. But, now and then, as it grew more faint A sound arose like a sad complaint; A cry from the earth, so brown and bare "Where is the garment I used to wear ! 'Twas given to me in the springtime-gay. And I've worn it through many a summer day; A beautiful mantle, green and fair All dotted with daisies here and there. I hear the sound of the coming storm. And I want my mantle to keep me warm. But now it is gone, and the winter drear — The pitiless winter-time is here." Then the shivering trees took up the cry; Lifting their long, bare arms on high They cried, as they tossed in the northern breeze, "Give back the leaves to the naked trees; Where are the robes we so proudly wore? Give us our beautiful leaves once more ! Vainly we tried to hold them fast. They were borne away on the winter blast. And now we stand with our branches bare, So cold, — so cold, — with nothing to wear !" The North- Wind whistled in careless glee, "Where have your leaves gone? Don't ask me !" Then a murmur arose from the garden-beds Where the dear little flowers hung their heads; Old Jack Frost, traveling through the land Had laid upon all, his strong, firm hand And bade them sleep through the winter night. Till the spring-time came, like the morning light. And now from the roots, 'neath the frozen [ground. Through the stalks and stems came a hollow [sound, "How can we sleep When wild winds sweep Over our beds, so bare and brown? How can we sleep When chill frosts creep And winter rains come pattering down? How can our sleep Be calm and deep? Oh, Mother Nature, to thee we cry, — Over each bed A coverlet spread. That quietly, peacefully, we may lie." Some dull-looking clouds were hovering near. They paused for a moment, the cry to hear. Beckoned for others to listen too. Then said to each other, "What can we do? Over the shivering earth below Let us drop a mantle of soft, white snow !" It began about tea-time, and snowed all night And lo ! in the morning, a beautiful sight, — A spotless covering, ample and wide. Was spread o'er the earth, tucked in on each side. Each tree bore the folds of a warm winter dress And the tall branches bowed in deep thankfulness While down in the darkness, the flowers, I know. Gave thanks and rejoiced in the first fall of snow. THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE YEAR PHE sound of passing footsteps marks the journey [of the year. We heard it in the spring-time, — a sound distinct [and clear, *Twas the falling of the rain-drops, making music, [oh, so sweet ! Like the patter, patter, patter of tiny, childish feet. Again we heard the footsteps, — the merry, dancing [sound Of the welcome summer shower, on the foliage and [the ground. How it fell in tuneful measure, summer rain in [careless glee. Like the step of youth and maidens, ever joyous, [glad and free. The year grew old so quickly. Soon over field and [plain. We heard the measured stepping of the steady [Autumn rain; Like the tread of stalwart manhood, firm and fear- less, brave and strong, — Like the tramp, tramp of an army, marching [steadily along But the firm steps seem to falter,— the year's proud [strength is gone. For the frosty, chilling winter, like Old-age, comes [creeping on. There's a weary sound of rapping, rapping at my [window-pane, As the winter-storm is beating, hail, and sleet, and [frozen rain,— Like the patient tapping— tapping— of an old [man's cane ! CHRISTMAS GREETINGS (CHRISTMAS EVE ! And our thoughts go forth Here and there O'er the troubled earth. Oh, west wind of the winter night. Hastening on, in your rapid flight Over the crest Of the waves so blue. Bear a greeting Tender and true To our soldier boys, in a far-off land Our "Boys in khaki** — a valiant band. Above them, the twinkling stars are bright In the skies of France, this hallowed night. Seek them out As their watch they keep. Or lie, perchance In a restless sleep; Whisper to each, this word so true, — "Friends in the Home-land think of you; God be with you in camp or field. His Arm, your strength. His Power, your shield IV \TORTH wind, blowing so fast and free, A Christmas Greeting we send by thee, A kindly thought and a word of cheer To soldiers and sailors, far and near. In vessels and camps, — on sea and land. Line upon line, our brave men stand; Ready and eager, they wait the call, "To the front, to the front, haste ye all !" To-night they are lonely. Thoughts will come Of happy days in each far-off home. Bear to them, winds, as you hover near, Loving remembrance from hearts sincere. In dreams, may they hear the notes of song. Mingle once more in the dear home-throng. Catch the gleam of each smiling face And clasp loved ones in a fond embrace; And oh, may Hope in each heart abide With its light and gladness, this Christmas-tide ! WfHEREVER they list The winds may blow, Eastward or westward — Ever they go; As over our wide-spread land they roam We bid them stop at each lonely home. And leave a greeting, — a wish, — a prayer. In each home, marked by a "vacant chair/* Husband and father. Brother and son, A broken circle. The loved ones gone; Oh, how many dear hearts will grieve Lonely and sad, on this Christmas Eve ! Angel of Memory, Faithful and true. Unnumbered treasures Bring to their view; Hours so precious in earlier days Walking together in life's sunny ways, — Glances of love from true, honest eyes, Tenderest care and self-sacrifice; — Words of affection, in accents so dear, Blessed companionship, year after year; May thoughts of the past, the dark shadows lift. And memories sweet prove a rich Christmas -gift. YJT/HEN we reach the close of another year, ™ When the Christmas season again draws near. May the clouds of conflict have passed away With the ushering in of a better day. May a light, like Bethlehem's star, arise Scatter the gloom of our darkened skies. Lead us onward through winding ways Perhaps through stress of sorrowful days. Through sacrifice, dangers, and grief untold Still may it shine, like the bright Star of old. Gleaming afar, may its radiance sweet Mark the path for our weary feet ; Clouds cannot hide it, — mists cannot dim Our faith in God, and our trust in Him ! This is the star, whose wonderful power Shall guide and cheer in the darkest hour. Its light will safely our footsteps bring. At last, at last, we shall find the King ! The King — who is waiting the world to bless. The King — with his Sceptre of righteousness. The King — whose dominion never shall cease. The "Wonderful — Counsellor — Prince of Peace V LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ■IIUIHIIIII 015 938 582 6