My Annual Christmas Eve Post

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight!

Christmas in lands of the fir tree and pine,

Christmas in lands of the palm tree and vine;

Christmas where snow peaks stand solemn and white,

Christmas where corn fields lie sunny and bright;

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.

Christmas where children are hopeful and gay,

Christmas where old men are patient and gray,

Christmas where peace, like a dove in its flight,

Broods o’er brave men in the thick of the fight;

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.

For the Christ child who comes is the Master of all

No place too great and no cottage too small;

The Angels who welcome Him sing from the height,

“In the city of David, a King in His might.”

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.

Then let every heart keep its Christmas within

Christ’s pity for sorrow, Christ’s hatred for sin.

Christ’s care for the weakest, Christ’s courage for right,

Christ’s dread of the darkness, Christ’s love of the light.

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.

So the stars of the midnight which compass us round

Shall see a strange glory, and hear a sweet sound,

And cry, “Look! The earth is aflame with delight,

O Sons of the morning, rejoice at the sight.”

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.

Words: Bishop Phillips Brooks (1835-1893)

Source:  Phillips Brooks, Christmas Songs and Easter Carols (New York:  E.P. Dutton & Co., 1903)

Music by Lewis Henry Redner