" The star stood over where the young child was — "
Only a star was high enough to mark
Thy cradle, O Thou Holy One of earth!
Was bright enough to point men through the dark
Since that glad night of old that saw Thy birth!

For stars belong to the unbounded skies;
Stars are not found beneath the roofs of creed,
Nor reached by straining spires of steel and stone:
Alike they shine to serve a whole world's need,
That none dare cry, " The stars are mine alone! "

O Star beyond all stars, the darkness still
Is slow to comprehend! O Light of men,
The glare of earth has kept us blind so long!
Forgive us as we lift our eyes again,
And make us brave to live the angels' song!

" The star stood over where the young child was — "
— Only a star was high enough to mark
Thy cradle, O Thou Holy One of earth!
— Was bright enough to point men through the dark
Since that glad night of old that saw Thy birth!

For stars belong to the unbounded skies;
— Stars are not found beneath the roofs of creed,
Nor reached by straining spires of steel and stone:
— Alike they shine to serve a whole world's need,
That none dare cry, " The stars are mine alone! "

O Star beyond all stars, the darkness still
— Is slow to comprehend! O Light of men,
The glare of earth has kept us blind so long!
— Forgive us as we lift our eyes again,
And make us brave to live the angels' song!