The Blasts Of Chill December

The blasts of chill December sound

The farewell of the year,

And night's swift shadow gathering round

O'ercloud the soul with fear;

But rest you well, good Christian men,

Nor be of heart forlorn;

December's darkness brings again

The Light of Christmas morn.

The Magpie

  Claude Monet

(1868-1869)

The welcome snow at Christmastide

Falls shining from the skies:

On village paths and uplands wide

All holy-white it lies;

It crowns with pearls the oaks and pines,

And glitters on the thorn;

But purer is the Light that shines

On gladsome Christmas morn.

At Christmastide the gracious moon

Keeps vigil while we sleep,

And sheds abroad her light's sweet boon,

On vale and mountain-steep;

O'er all the slumbering land descends

Her radiancy unshorn;

But brighter is the light, good friends,

That shines on Christmas morn.

'Twas when the world was waxing old,

And night on Bethlehem lay,

The shepherds saw the heavens unfold

A light beyond the day

The Angel Appearing To The Shepherds

 Thomas Cole

(1833-1834)

Such glory ne'er had visited

A world with sin outworn;

But yet more glorious Light is shed

On happy Christmas morn

Those shepherds poor; how blest were they

The angels' song to hear!

In manger cradle as He lay,

To greet their Lord so dear!

The Lord of Heaven's eternal height

For us a Child was born;

And He, the very Light of light,

Shone forth that Christmas morn!

Before His infant smile afar,

Were driven the hosts of hell;

And still in souls that childlike are

His guardian love shall dwell:

O then rejoice, good Christian men,

Nor be of heart forlorn;

December's darkness brings again

The light of Christmas morn.

Adoration Of The Child

 Gerard van Honthorst

(1620)

"The Blasts Of Chill December"

Words by Norval Clyne

(1868)