Annette J. Dunlea's Blog, page 72

Santa Claus By Andrew Barton Paterson

“HALT! Who goes there?” The sentry’s call Rose on the midnight air Above the noises of the camp, The roll of wheels, the horses’ tramp. The challenge echoed over all— “Halt! Who goes there?” A quaint old figure clothed in … Continue reading →

Advent By Patrick Kavanagh

We have tested and tasted too much, lover- Through a chink too wide there comes in no wonder. But here in the Advent-darkened room Where the dry black bread and the sugarless tea Of penance will charm back the luxury … Continue reading →

A Christmas Ghost Story By Thomas Hardy

South of the Line, inland from far Durban, A mouldering soldier lies–your countryman. Awry and doubled up are his gray bones, And on the breeze his puzzled phantom moans Nightly to clear Canopus: “I would know By whom and when … Continue reading →

Church Music By George Herbert

Sweetest of sweets, I thank you: when displeasure Did through my body wound my mind, You took me thence, and in your house of pleasure A dainty lodging me assigned. 2 Now I in you without a body move, Rising … Continue reading →

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories … Continue reading →

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled” Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in … Continue reading →

The First Noel

  The First Noel, the Angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born … Continue reading →

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay The cattle are … Continue reading →

Holidays By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The holiest of all holidays are those Kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart, When the full river of feeling overflows;– The happy days unclouded to their close; The sudden joys that out of … Continue reading →

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! By Ellis Parker Butler

Little cullud Rastus come a-skippin’ down de street, A-smilin’ and a-grinnin’ at every one he meet; My, oh! He was happy! Boy, but was he gay! Wishin’ “Merry Chris’mus” an’ “Happy New-Year’s Day”! Wishin’ that his wishes might every one … Continue reading →