From: Through the YEAR With Tennyson

December 25

Rise, happy morn, holy morn,

Draw forth the cheerful day from night:

O Father, touch the rest, and light

The light that shone when hope was born.

In Memoriam, XXX.

Father, let hope be reborn

Through our lives and countries torn

Where self governance with You preferred

But socialism and politicians forlorn

Let us see that Your son was sent

Not to form treaties or religious lent

Not to bow to ones unsent, no Pope

But to our only hope, the Christ sent

Then the darkness of night become the day

And His Light be our only sway

We no longer religiously feign

But do, according to Your name

The only light that shone

Still shines today and did not feign

Not deny Your holy name

And though born earthly, be born again.

Randy Goss 12/2021