The First Christmas

Once a little baby lay

Cradled on the fragrant hay,

Long ago on Christmas;

Stranger bed a babe ne'er found,

Wond'ring cattle stood around,

Long ago on Christmas.

By the shining vision taught,

Shepherds for the Christ-child sought,

Long ago on Christmas.

Guided in a starlit way,

Wise men came their gifts to pay,

Long ago on Christmas.

And to-day the whole glad earth

Praises God for that Child's birth,

Long ago on Christmas;

For the Life, the Truth, the Way

Came to bless the earth that day,

Long ago on Christmas.