THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM

As shadows cast by cloud and sun

Flit o’er the summer grass,

So, in thy sight, Almighty One!

Earth’s generations pass.

And while the years, an endless host,

Come pressing swiftly on,

The brightest names that earth can boast

Just glisten, and are gone.

Yet doth the Star of Bethlehem shed

A lustre pure and sweet;

And still it leads, as once it led,

To the Messiah’s feet.

And deeply, at this later day,

Our hearts rejoice to see

How children, guided by its ray,

Come to the Saviour’s knee.

O Father, may that holy Star

Grow every year more bright,

And send its glorious beam afar

To fill the world with light.