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Peace on Earth

Bethlehem lay far below
The bleak bare hills that holy night,
As shepherds bent to warm themselves
Before a small fire burning bright.
The wooly lambs stared sleepily
At shadowed flames whose rosy glow
Outlines the rocks and brushes that
Lay underneath the Winter snow.

Treetops held the low-hung stars,
Tacked loosely to a midnight sky,
Charred wood turned to glowing embers
As the fire began to die.
In the distance came the lone cry
Of a grey wolf through the still,
And the brown dog sharply listened,
Standing guard upon the hill.

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All at once the sound of music,
As soft voices filled the air,
And the rush of wind as golden wings
Swooped down from everywhere.
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"
Rang out the blessed hymn,
As angels sang the story of
Christ born in Bethlehem.

Both sheep and shepherds raised their eyes
In wonderment above,
And thus man learned from angels
Of God's Miracle of Love.
To the tune of silver trumpets,
All the heavens filled with light,
And "Peace on earth, goodwill to men"
... Was echoed through the night.

Grace E. Easley

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