The Star of Bethlehem

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The Star of Bethlehem O radiant Star divine What glory and mystery were thine That night When thy light, transcendently bright, Glorified Bethlehem town Where, devoid of all trappings empty and vain, A King laid him down to rest, Enthroned at his mother's breast; For pain had hallowed the bed That cradled his head God's only begotten One Yet didst marvel, O Star, thy rays flung afar. That, wrapt in sleep, the little town lay, Nor heeded the babe asleep on the hay? For none, save the humble, and wise, Heard the message, that night, from the skies. The shepherds' souls were filled with awe N t the wonder which they saw And across the wild and desert waste The magi came in eager haste To worship there In Bethlehem, the fair O would such faith, Star, were mine To follow o'er a trackless way, Through silence and through night a flaming light To know when I had seen Within the stable low and mean — '

In manger 'stead of carven bed, When I beheld that little head, 1 looked upon a King! Not fame nor riches, naught save faith. To onward press when promised Star Doth shine For it hath ever led, as thou of old, Unto a shrine Maud Baggarley.