CHRISTMAS EVE
By Celia Laighton Thaxter

Through the wide darkness of the night,
From heaven’s golden bars,
What vision floats serenely bright,
‘Neath the keen sparkling stars?

Whence comes this sweet, immortal cheer?
Who brings the holy sign?
O sleeping city, wake and hear
The messenger divine.

‘Tis Christmas Eve, with outspread wings
God’s angel floats above,
To all the waiting earth she brings
The blessing of His love.

Bearing a torch to kindle high
Joy’s fires on Christmas morn,
While all the choirs of heaven shall cry
"Rejoice! For Christ is born."

YULE LOG
By Celia Laighton Thaxter

Come gather round the Yule log’s blaze!
In light and laughter leap the flames,
The fire sings like a hymn of praise,
Its warmth the heart of winter tames.

Behold the house is all aglow
From door to roof with Christmas cheer!
What matter how the cold winds blow!
Comfort and peace and joy are here.

Come share the Yule log’s glorious heat!
For many a year the grand old tree
Stood garnering up the sunshine sweet,
To keep for our festivity.

And now our Christmas Eve to bless
See how it yields its ardent rays!
As if to wish you happiness,
Honor and love and length of days.

"Welcome," it smiles with every beam,
saluting you with kindly power.
Its golden banners flash and gleam,
Its mellow splendor crowns the hour.

Then gather round the flames so bright,
Forget that winter blasts are stern,
So fervently this holy night
On friendships’ hearth the Yule fires burn.

Source:
The Heavenly Guest by Celia Thaxter, Edited by her brother Oscar Laighton, 1935