In winter-time, when earth is drest
In robes of snowy white,
And peeping from their prickly nest
Shine holly-berries bright;
When the sky is grey, and the air is chill,
And the frost-bound river is hushed and still,
The Christmas bells ring out their mirth
To greet the day of Jesus' birth.
Hark! hark! they ring, "Good news for men!
Let tears and sorrow cease,
For Christmas comes with grace again,
Good-will, and joy, and peace!"
The angels to-day are busy on earth
With praises from Heaven for the Saviour's birth,
While glory in the highest rings
To Jesus Christ, the king of kings.
The night is dark, the earth is cold,
Yet Jesus leaves his throne;
To simple hearts the tale is told —
"He cometh to his own!"
But the world goes on, for its eyes are dim,
And its selfish heart has no thought for him,
Though Bethlehem is filled to-night
With glory from the light of light.
And heavenly joy shall flood each soul
Which truly worships there,
And learns that love whose sweet control
Makes Christmas everywhere;
And life's winter-time shall be bright for them,
With faith in the story of Bethlehem,
The Father's love, the Saviour's birth,
Glory in heaven, and peace on earth.