Bells of Christmas soon will chime,
And their tuneful notes will fly
From the steeples white with rime
To the clear star-frosted sky.

Soon the organ pipes will blow
Strains triumphant, loud and long,
And the happy choir arow
Fill the whispering church with song.

Soon the pungent scent of pine
Will perfume the chilly hall,
Holly spray and cedar twine
Precious pictures on the wall.

Soon the Christmas fires will flare
With a consciousness of light,
And home windows everywhere
Flood with golden mist the night.

Christmas bells, prepare to ring,
Let us have a joyful time,
From your lofty rafters swing
Till angels hear you chime.

Cricket on the poor man's hearth,
Get you ready with a thrill
That shall sing of joy on earth
Till his heart with laughter fill.

Elfins dancing at my side,
Now a secret word with ye:
On that happy eve abide
With the children in their glee,

And when midnight hour shall fare
Out each lamp of heaven blow,
And in silence fill the air
With a tinkling shower of snow.