Christmas Bells

SOPHIE WEINERT

Once more the bells ring out their peals
As heralds of the dawn;
The Word goes forth with joy and hope:
To us the Christ is born!
Thus Love, awakened in each heart,
Steals forth to bless and cheer,
And wipe away with mighty power
Earth's unavailing tear;
Thus to the listening ear there comes
A wondrous sweet refrain:
Lo, peace on earth, good will to men!
The Christ's eternal strain.