Christmas Magic

(A Christmas Collage) The sun has set and night is stealing Softly o'er the silent land, While snowflakes slowly down are falling, Shaken from an unseen hand. To the top of Thorburne Tower Light from windows streams around; The glow of twenty thousand tapers Sparkles on the snowy ground. High arching o'er the graceful altar, Wintergreen and laurel sway; And all about the pews of alder People kneel and humbly pray. The rosy cheeks and smiling faces, Rising at the last amen, Return to rhythmic rows of places Raising songs of praise again. Oh hear those olden carols going O'er the tower to the skies; Noel and joyful tidings flowing From warm hearts and gleaming eyes. So far above the frosty forest, Father God and Jesus see The flick'ring flame of faith fulfilling What on earth was meant to be. There below the boundless heavens Beams the Spirit's blessing full; Bestowing peace and tidings holy, Bearing love that makes us whole. Th' enchanting ev'ning passing onward, Ev'ry street once empty filled; Then all-enfolding light descending, Endless eager voices stilled. To those who trolled triunal praises, Angels lit the topaz night; Attuning to the trilling trumpets, Sounding in triumphal might. The harps and high harmonic voices Hold a hope no man could give, Enmeshing in enchanting fashion, Showing how archangels live. E'en later yet they light their lanterns, Laugh around the firelight's heat; The children look around and listen, Laps all full of things to eat. Even now the endless snowflakes Eloquently, gently fall; Adding to the festive feeling Held alike by great and small. The youngsters holding hands are happy, Dancing 'neath the holly wreath, While horses hauling sleighs and cutters Jingle homeward on the heath. The embers glow in evenings echo, Shedding reddish light afar; Expectant eyes reflect its sparkle, Shining like the morning star. They sing of Mary, blessed mother, Meek and willing, pure and mild; They magnify the great Messiah Born as Mary's holy child. [Look for the acrostic in the alliteration. There is one letter for each verse.] By Isaiah Zerbst, November 16, 2013