Classic Poem

We mark the day when on us rose,
Like stars, the eyes of our first-born;
We mark the day, when from our side
Our loveliest and our best are torn.

We mark, with mystic ring, the day
Of vows that are the type of heaven,
When, as the Church unto her Lord,
The bride unto the groom is given.

For every friendship, every love,
We have memorial mark and sign; —
And shall we bear less careful heed
For the dear love that is divine?

And shall no tender reverence greet
His day of birth who came to bless,
Whose heart's blood on our earthly ties
Gives them immortal sacredness?

Say not how in the shades is lost
The day and hour when Christ was born,
And from the festival of love
With skeptic eye in coldness turn:

Enough that in all Christian lands
One chosen day to this is given;
One day to love and worship dear
To peace with man and peace with heaven.

One day when, in each land and clime
Where that blest NAME hath e'er been heard,
Jesus, with varying rite and form,
Is by his worshipers adored.

Heart beats to heart, friend smiles on friend,
Across the seas the nations call,
Peace and good will, good will and peace,
In his dear name who loves us all.