John Wright Follette
(1884-1966)
I love the things eternal
That Christmas time reflects,
Simple things as old as God
That only faith detects —
The Holy Child and manger,
Eternal Love come down
To dwell in human mangers,
And man’s redemption crown.
I love the star still gleaming
Through all the earthborn night,
Still guiding hearts who seek Him —
Of all the world, the Light.
I love the angels’ message
Of “Peace, good will to men.”
In heart I hear the echo;
Faith answers back, Amen!
The hell that men are making,
This holocaust of shame,
In death and blasted culture
Reflect man’s inner name.
Man’s hate and rage and envy,
All born of flesh and sin,
Will perish in their fury;
Their doom is stamped within.
The Christ Child lives forever
In spite of death and hell.
The star will shine forever,
Persistent love to tell.
The angels’ song will carry
O’er every land and sea.
Eternal things at Christmas
Reflect the things to be.
