Unknown writer

Christmas Eve

Summary


"Christmas Eve" is a hushed, lyrical lullaby poem that draws a child toward sleep on the holiest of winter nights. Snow lies deep on the earth while the sky rings with celestial song, and angels lead a beloved child toward dancing, singing stars. A tender shepherd calls his lambs close, longing to bless them with his love — weaving together the intimacy of a bedtime farewell with the vast, joyful mystery of the Christmas heavens above.

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Oh, hush thee, little Dear-my-Soul,
The evening shades are falling, —
Hush thee, my dear, dost thou not hear
The voice of the Master calling?

Deep lies the snow upon the earth,
But all the sky is ringing
With joyous song, and all night long
The stars shall dance, with singing.

Oh, hush thee, little Dear-my-Soul,
And close thine eyes in dreaming,
And angels fair shall lead thee where
The singing stars are beaming.

A mother gently singing a lullaby to her child on Christmas Eve, with stars glowing outside a snowy window.

A shepherd calls his little lambs,
And he longeth to caress them;
He bids them rest upon his breast,
That his tender love may bless them.

So, hush thee, little Dear-my-Soul,
Whilst evening shades are falling,
And above the song of the heavenly throng
Thou shalt hear the Master calling.

Credits

Unknown Writer is the attributed author of this traditional Christmas lullaby poem, whose true origins remain untraced. The poem's gentle refrain "Dear-my-Soul" gives it an unusually intimate, devotional warmth that sets it apart from conventional holiday verse.
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