A Prayer at Bethlehem

Anne P.L. Field

O pulsing earth with heart athrill

With infinite creative will!

O watchful shepherds in whose eyes

Sweet hopes and promises arise!

O angel-host whose chanting choir

Proclaims fulfillment of desire!

O flaming star so purely white

Against the black Judean night!

O blessed Mary bending low

With sense of motherhood aglow!

O holy Babe with haloed head

Soft pillowed in a manger bed!

O Mystery divine and deep

Help us Thy prophecies to keep!