VI.

Through the Windows

_Some children from within a bare and comfortless room are looking forth upon a wintry night. The world outside is bleak and pitiless. The very church seems empty of suggestion till one notes how the spire with silent finger is pointing to the Christmas Star._

Through the Windows

"_It came and stood over where the young Child was._"

Winter--and winter's gloom--without, within-- The ice on heart and hearth and sunless earth! Cling close, ye hapless victims of man's sin-- Companions sad of misery and dearth!

Cold church, thy heavenward-pointing spire appeals To empty skies, all heartless, voiceless, dumb. No clang of bells through all the city peals. O grieving ones, your very griefs are numb.

Yet see! Thank God for windows! From afar, Sweet envoy from a world where all is bright, Behold, in silver radiance shines the star, Distilling through the dark its healing light.

Over the place where hearts are sore and lone; Over the place where priests and creeds of late Have stammered news of God and man at one, And seen men doubt and sleep, and wake to hate.

O windows, made for light to enter in! The Light is there, beyond the darkened sky. To reach, impinge, and pass your barrier thin, To lift our captive, earth-bound souls on high!

Come to the windows! There adoring kneel! Beyond your aching hearts the Heart Divine! Heart seeking heart, beyond where systems wheel, Seeking, yea, finding! Lo, the starry sign!

O Hand that leads yon Star that shall not fail! O Eye that watches through each guiding ray! O Home, beyond our habitations frail! O Church, complete in Heaven's eternal day!

Be ever for us all 'above the place,' Bringing all comfort, joy, assurance, peace! Healing the desperate sorrow of the race, From all earth's discords gaining glad release!

O Lord of Light and Life, grant us to know, Through windows crystal-clear of faith and love, Beyond our winter night of grief and woe, The steadfast Star still shines our world above!