I may not go to-night to Bethlehem, <br />Nor follow star-directed ways, nor tread <br />The paths wherein the shepherds walked, that led <br />To Christ, and peace, and God's good will to men. <br /> <br />I may not hear the Herald Angel's song <br />Peal through the Oriental skies, nor see <br />The wonder of that Heavenly company <br />Announce the King the world had waited long. <br /> <br />The manger throne I may not kneel before, <br />Or see how man to God is reconciled, <br />Through pure St. Mary's purer, holier child; <br />The human Christ these eyes may not adore. <br /> <br />I may not carry frankincense and myrrh <br />With adoration to the Holy One; <br />Nor gold have I to give the Perfect Son, <br />To be with those wise kings a worshipper. <br /> <br />Not mine the joy that Heaven sent to them, <br />For ages since Time swung and locked his gates, <br />But I may kneel without--the star still waits <br />To guide me on to holy Bethlehem.<br /><br />Emily Pauline Johnson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/christmastide/
