– Christmas Eve –

From out the forest dark and deep
I wandered forth through winter’s sleep.
And now I tell you, Christmas nears—
I saw its light through snow and firs.
On every branch soft candles shone,
like tiny stars in twilight thrown.
And high above, from Heaven’s gate,
the Christ Child watched in gentle state.
As through the silent woods I came,
it called my old and faithful name:
“Good Ruprecht, hurry, faithful friend!
The night grows bright, the hours end.
The candles glow, the gates unfold,
for young and old, the weary and bold.
Rest now from all life’s chase and call—
for Christmas dawns again for all.