Poems for Children Sigourney/Christmas Hymn

by Lydia Sigourney

Christmas Hymn.

Bring wreaths, green wreaths, our joyful hands
    Their glowing tints shall twine,
To celebrate our Saviour's birth,
    The "Children's Friend" divine,
Who drew them to his favouring arms
     When sterner souls forbade,
And kindly on his sheltering breast
    Their heads reposing laid.

But He, the babe of Bethlehem slept
    Uncradled and unsought,
No joyful bands with songs of praise
    Sweet buds and blossoms brought,
But horned brutes, with heavy tread
    Their manger's guest survey'd,
And stupid oxen watch'd the bed
    Where Earth's Redeemer laid.

Sister, bring flowers! the winter-rose
    Shall in our garland bloom

For Him whom weeping Mary sought
    And found an empty tomb;
Still in our hearts the plants of love
    A living stream should share,
Which flowing from his Holy Word
    Shall keep them fresh and fair.

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