Wrapped was the world in slumber deep, <br />By seaward valley and cedarn steep, <br />And bright and blest were the dreams of its sleep; <br />All the hours of that wonderful night-tide through <br />The stars outblossomed in fields of blue, <br />A heavenly chaplet, to diadem <br />The King in the manger of Bethlehem. <br /> <br />Out on the hills the shepherds lay, <br />Wakeful, that never a lamb might stray, <br />Humble and clean of heart were they; <br />Thus it was given them to hear <br />Marvellous harpings strange and clear, <br />Thus it was given them to see <br />The heralds of the nativity. <br /> <br />In the dim-lit stable the mother mild <br />Looked with holy eyes on her child, <br />Cradled him close to her heart and smiled; <br />Kingly purple nor crown had he, <br />Never a trapping of royalty; <br />But Mary saw that the baby's head <br />With a slender nimbus was garlanded. <br /> <br />Speechless her joy as she watched him there, <br />Forgetful of pain and grief and care, <br />And every thought in her soul was a prayer; <br />While under the dome of the desert sky <br />The Kings of the East from afar drew nigh, <br />And the great white star that was guide to them <br />Kept ward o'er the manger of Bethlehem.<br /><br />Lucy Maud Montgomery<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-christmas-night/
