The past of man was cold as ice
He would not mend his ways.
He strove for silver in his heart
And gold in all his days.
His reason weak, his anger sharp,
And sorrow all his pay,
He went to church but once a year,
And that was Christmas Day.
The present man is full of flame:
He rushes here and there.
He turns away the orphan child,
The widow in her chair.
He takes more than he really needs,
Forgets how brief his stay,
And stands a-jingling of his coins
In church on Christmas Day.
So grant us all a change of heart,
Rejoice for Mary's son;
Pray, Peace on earth to all mankind,
God bless us everyone!
The man to come we do not know:
May he make peace on earth,
And live the glory of the Word,
The message of the birth,
And gather all the children in
To banish their dismay,
Lift up his heart among the bells
In church on Christmas Day.
So grant us all a change of heart,
Rejoice for Mary's son;
Pray, Peace on earth to all mankind,
God bless us everyone!
Pray, Peace on earth to all mankind,
God bless us everyone!