Classic Poem

Not over great Jerusalem
Rested the mystic star of old,
But over little Bethlehem,—
In holy legend we are told.
The watching shepherds heard with awe
And felt the brush of unseen wings;
While from afar the wise men saw
And joyful came with offerings.

It passed the mighty of the earth,
The pride of wealth, the pomp of kings,
To mark a prophet's lowly birth
And shame the scorn of common things.
‘Nor beat of drum nor bugle cry
Announced on earth his coming reign,
But ‘Glory be to God on high,
On earth be peace, good will to men!’

Still go before us, mystic star,
Our dull and blinded eyes to clear;
We follow with the wise men far,
And with the wondering shepherds hear.
Again the angel hosts draw nigh,
With them we sing the Christmas strain:
‘All glory be to God on high,
On earth be peace, good will to men!’