The Saratoga Sun

Christ Is Born

by Louise F. Elmendorf

The world, late racked with pain through bloody years,
Has climbed its weary long-pathed Calvary,
Where millions died, as Christ, that they might free
Others from wrong, and black oppression's tears.

Once more now through the world comes to our ears
The song of all the ages, "Christ is born."

Mute tongued to notes of joy have been the bells,
And only childhood and old age dared try
To sing, so near the threatening battle sky,
The song that told, though dulled by shrieking shells
Whose bursting turned a thousand homes to hells,
The wonder of the ages, "Christ is born."

Our faith in God has brought to us the goal;
War-weary lands have peace on earth again;
And in the scarred and fire-purged hearts of men,
Made sweet and strong by suffering of the soul,
Through travail of a world once more made whole,
Anew in human hearts the Christ is born.

Dear God, the Christmas songs are fraught with prayer
That Thou wilt be with those whose tears still pay
That we may have the glory of this day;
That men may live their thanks; that lives may bear
Eternal witness for Thee, everywhere
Proclaiming that in us the Christ is born.