On a starry, wintry night, Frosty and cold was the air, And the lowly vale where Bethlehem stood, Looked bleak, and barren and bare.
Her streets deserted and dim, Lit only by myriads of stars, That with shimm’ring light illumined the night— Among them was fiery Mars.
Adown ’mid the valley so drear Knelt men, in wonder and fear, For lo! in the distance a bright star had risen Wondrously brilliant and clear.
Then an Angel’s voice they heard In heavenly tones it said, To you I bring “glad tidings of joy,” “Fear not nor be dismayed.”
Go follow that star, ’twill lead To the Christ-child’s lowly bed, Though Israel’s King, He sleeps in an “inn” Where the cattle oft are fed.