Poems (Kimball)/"Ring, Sweet Bells of Christendom"

by Harriet McEwen Kimball

"RING, SWEET BELLS OF CHRISTENDOM."

RING, sweet bells of Christendom,
 Everywhere the tidings tell
How the Lord to earth did come—
   Ring and tell!

Swift to seek and save the lost,
 More than merciful He came;
Glad to pay life's bitter cost
   Jesus came.

Prince of Peace, the Heavenly King,
 As a mortal babe disguised
He appeared whom angels sing—
   Earth-disguised.

Love Divine in human frame,
 Of the lowly lowliest He;
Stript of glory, in His shame
   Gloried He.

Empty-handed from His birth,
 Gifts exceeding price He brought;
Treasures hidden not in earth
   Jesus brought.

To the blind, unclouded sight;
 To the dumb, the voice of praise;
And to all in darkness, light—
   Joy and praise,

To the poor, the Gospel's wealth;
 To the rich, the spirit poor;
And to all His saving health—
   Rich and poor.

To the heavy-laden, rest;
 To the mourner, words of life
And to all—the last and best—
   Endless life.

In the perfect path He trod,
 Still His footprints mark the way;
Out to men and up to God
   Show the way.

Out to men in love that breaks
 Bread of charity with all,
And—thrice blessed then!— forsakes
   Self for all.

Up to God in deeds like prayers,
 In obedience to Him,
And in faith—love's altar-stairs
   Reared to Him.

Ring, sweet bells of Christendom,
 Far and near the tidings tell
How the Lord to earth did come—
   Ring and bell!

Join, good Christians, east and west,
 In Emmanuel's endless praise,
And with deeds of mercy best
   Show His praise!

Still the Christmas angels sing:
 "Glory be to God Most High!"
The eternal echoes ring:
   "God Most High!"

Lift your songs in unison:
 "Peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Mingle song and life in one
   Wide "Amen!"