by Joyce Kilmer (1886 - 1918)
Christmas Eve
Language: English
There was a gentle hostler (And blessed be his name!) He open’d up the stable The night our Lady came. Our Lady and Saint Joseph, He gave them food and bed, And Jesus Christ has given him A glory round his head. So let the gate swing open However poor the yard, Lest weary people visit you And find their passage barred; Unlatch the door at midnight And let your lantern’s glow Shine out to guide the traveler’s feet To you across the snow. There was a joyous hostler Who knelt on Christmas morn Beside the radiant manger Wherein the Lord was born. His heart was full of laughter, His soul was full of bliss When Jesus, on his Mother’s lap, Gave him His hand to kiss. Unbar your heart this ev’ning And keep no stranger out, Take from your soul’s great portal The barrier of doubt. To humble folk and weary Give hearty welcoming, Your breast shall be tomorrow The cradle of a King.
Authorship:
- by Joyce Kilmer (1886 - 1918) [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Richard Hageman (1881 - 1966), "Christmas Eve", subtitle: "A joyous song", 1936?, published 1936, copyright © 1936 [ voice and piano or organ ] [sung text checked 1 time]
Researcher for this page: Garrett Medlock [Guest Editor]
This text was added to the website: 2019-02-28
Line count: 32
Word count: 165