Christ, the Light of our Christmas Day,
Shine into every heart, we pray!
Dearer art Thou than Bethlehem’s star
To those who see Thee, though afar.
Onward still in Thy pathway bright
Lead us as children of the light,
Till the morning breaks, and shadows flee
And we find the perfect day with Thee.
Christ, the Peace of our Christmas Day,
Fill our hearts with Thy rest, we pray!
Though sin and sorrow surge around,
Yet is there peace where Thou art found—
Peace in the calm of sin forgiven,
A Father’s smile, and an open Heaven;
Though clouds should gather, and fears increase,
Thou wilt keep Thine own in perfect peace.
Christ, the Joy of our Christmas Day,
Fill our hearts with Thy joy, we pray!
Dear ones missed from our loving throng,
Voices hush’d in our Christmas song.
Can we rejoice? Oh, yet the more
For them we bless Thee and adore.
Lord, grant us all at length to see
Fullness of joy with them—with Thee!
—From The Fireside, published 1889, anonymous