A Christmas Hymn

From every spire on Christmas Eve

Author: Eleanor A. Hunter
Tune: DUANE STREET
Published in 3 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1. From every spire on Christmas Eve,
the Christmas bells ring clearly out
Their message of goodwill and peace,
with many a call and silver shout.
For faithful hearts, the angels’
song still echoes in the frosty air,
And by the altar low they bow,
in adoration and in prayer.

2. A thousand blessed memories throng,
the stars are holy signs to them,
And from the eyes of every child
looks forth the Babe of Bethlehem;
But there are others, not like these,
whose brows are sad, whose hopes are crossed,
To whom the season brings no cheer,
and life’s most gracious charm is lost.

3. To whom that story, old and sweet,
is but a fable at the best,
The Christmas music mocks their ears,
and life has naught of joy or rest.
Oh! for angel’s voice to pierce
the clouds of grief that over them rise,
The mists of doubt and unbelief
that veil the blue of Christmas skies.

4. That they, at last, may see the Light
which shines from Bethlehem, and unfold
For Christ the treasures of their hearts,
richer than spicery or gold.
Hope of the ages, draw Thou near,
till all the earth shall own Thy sway,
And when Thou reignest in every heart
it will, indeed, be Christmas Day.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #1507

Author: Eleanor A. Hunter

Born: November 3/13, 1855, Goshen, Indiana. Died: March 8, 1915. Hunter’s parents were Theodore and Rhoda Eleanor Farrand Hunter. Her works include: Stories Told by a Doll (New York: The American Tract Society, circa 1888) Wiscasset Stories Talks to Boys: Classic Teachings on Virtues & Values (New York: The American Tract Society, 1890) Talks to Girls: Classic Teachings on Virtues & Values (The American Tract Society, 1891) Children and the Home (New York: The American Tract Society) A New Mother Hubbard --www.hymntime.com/tch  Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: From every spire on Christmas Eve
Title: A Christmas Hymn
Author: Eleanor A. Hunter
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #1507
  • Adobe Acrobat image (PDF)
  • Noteworthy Composer score (NWC)
  • XML score (XML)

Instances

Instances (1 - 1 of 1)
TextScoreAudio

The Cyber Hymnal #1507

Include 2 pre-1979 instances
Suggestions or corrections? Contact us