Page:Our American Holidays - Christmas.djvu/265

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CHRISTMAS
237

He is the children's Christmas;
      They come without a call,
To gather round the gracious Child,
      Who bringeth joy to all.

But who shall bring their Christmas
      Who wrestle still with life?
Not grandsires, youths, or little folks,
      But they who wage the strife—
The fathers and the mothers
      Who fight for homes and bread,
Who watch and ward the living,
      And bury all the dead?
Ah! by their side at Christmas-tide
      The Lord of Christmas stands:
He smooths the furrows from their brow
      With strong and tender hands.
"I take my Christmas gift," He saith,
      "From thee, tired soul, and he
Who giveth to My little ones
      Gives also unto Me."