Poems (Kimball)/The Nativity

by Harriet McEwen Kimball

For works with similar titles, see The Nativity.

CHRISTMAS POEMS AND CAROLS.

THE NATIVITY

BENEATH the dark expectant skies, while crowded Bethlehem slept,
Their sleeping flocks in quiet fields the faithful shepherds kept,
When round about them, suddenly, there shone a glorious light,
And in the midst an Angel stood, majestical and bright.

What mortal eye could look undazed! what mortal ear could hear
The voice most sweet, most terrible in sweetness, without fear!
While on the wide Judean hills the reverent winds were stayed,
Prostrate the humble shepherds fell, for they were sore afraid.

"Fear not; behold, I bring you joy!" the Angel spake and smiled;
"To you this day in David's town is born the promised Child;
A Saviour, even Christ the Lord, and this shill be the sign—
Ye in a manger lowly laid shall find the Babe Divine."

And with the Angel, lo! a host of shining ones was seen
Chanting, "All glory be to God, as it hath ever been;
Glory to God, on earth be peace, and unto men goad-will,"
They sang, in splendor vanishing, and all grew dark and still.

Amazed the shepherds heard, and rose and made with haste their way
To where, within the stable walls, the world's redeemer lay;
Nor wider space nor fairer place had earth to spare for Him
Whose Throne from everlasting burned, rayed round with seraphim.

While softly mining out of heaven, in silver cadences
Flowed down those sweet angelic strains proclaiming joy and peace;
Her rapture swelling into tears, the trembling Mother bent
Above her Child, her Holy One, in awe and wonderment.

And if a cloud of radiance filled the consecrated place,
That cloud was darkness in her eyes, long-dwelling on His face;
Her tranced vision scarce withdrawn when the glad shepherds came,
Beheld the Babe and glorified the One Eternal Name.

And was the Word, indeed, made flesh? O Ever-lasting Lord!
O Prince of Peace! O Mighty God, forevermore adored!
Who reckoning unreckoned bliss cast all His glory by
When from the prison-house of sin He heard the captive cry!

O Love, that no created love can ever comprehend,
Outreaching life's dark uttermost, bounding the endless end;
That condescended to the low from Height above all height,
And bosomed in a blameless Babe brought into darkness light!

Wherever Christmas bells shall chime and Christmas cheer go round,
Be grateful joy—not heedless mirth—in every dwelling found;
While Faith unveils her throbbing breast and closelier folds within
The Holy Child whose sinlessness hath answered once for sin.

The humblest home that He may find, the poorest heart of earth,
Not meaner is than Bethlehem's stall made fair by Jesus' birth;
And light more marvellous shall stream into that house of day,
Abiding and abounding more unto the perfect day.

Comfort to answer all desire and soothe the sharpest pain,
A rest to weariness, and ease to such as do complain,
Bread for the hungry, and to them that thirst a living well,
The Saviour with His neediest ones doth most delight to dwell.

He honoreth not the place of pride, but seeketh lowly doors,
And love, the sweet return of love, is all that He implores;
The love that waiting on His word doth evermore increase,
And magnify in daily life the angels' song of peace.

Wherever Christmas greetings flow and Christmas cheer goes round,
Let charity in gracious deeds and gracious thoughts abound;
And Zion, garlanding her gates, put on her glad array,
And celebrate with psalms of joy Emmmnuel's natal day.

O Christ, Most High! Incarnate God! Meek Babe of Bethlehem!
To whom all angels cry aloud, Thy glory shadowing them,
Hear, through the praise of heaven, the praise of Thy redeemèd earth
Whose desert places yet shall sing for joy of Jesus' birth!