The Home Circle by O. A. Pratt

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 22, 1881

The Home Circle.

By O. A. Pratt

CHRISTMAS CAROL.

SONGS of joy be thine, O earth! As we celebrate the birth Of the Babe at Bethlehem born, While was ushered in the morn. As the angel band proclaim- "Peace on earth, good will to men;" While to God who reigns in heaven, "Glory in the highest given."

Let us catch the joyful sound, Waft it all the earth around; May each heart with holy joy All its nobler powers employ, Still the tidings to proclaim, Still to bear the Saviour's name, Till each kindred tongue and tribe Praise and majesty ascribe.

Gather round the Christmas hearth, Mingle there thy social mirth; Children, once more welcome come To the loved paternal home; Ring the glad and gleesome song Loudly from the merry throng, As the beams of joy ye trace In each dear familiar face.

Pause amid the festive scene; Ponder there the wondrous theme; Think of him, the lovely child, Patient, humble, meek, and mild. As the bright and Bethlehem star To the wise men shone afar, Promised signal of his birth To a dark and fallen earth.

Think of him, the tidings brought, Of the miracles he wrought, Of his mercy, truth, and grace To a lost and fallen race; Of his love beyond degree On the cross of Calvary; As he yielded up his breath In the agony of death.

Christmas day! O, joyful sound! Here my smiles and tears abound- Smiles that thou may joyful be, Tears for him who died for me. Celebrate the Saviour's birth, All ye nations of the earth; Songs of praise and glory be His through all eternity. —O. A. Pratt.