And I fear that he will not return very soon. Now, when you ask "Central" for Santa-Claus land She'll say, "discontinued"--and you'll understand. * * * * * WHEN THE STARS OF MORNING SANG ANNE P.L. FIELD When the stars of morning sang Long ago, Sweet the air with music rang Through the snow, There beside the mother mild Slept the blessed Christmas child,-- Slumber holy, undefiled-- Here below. When the wise men traveled far Through the night, Following the guiding star Pure and bright, Lo! it stood above the place Sanctified by Heaven's grace, And upon the Christ-Child's face Shed its light. When the world lay hushed and still Christmas morn, Suddenly were skies athrill-- "Christ is born!" Angel voices, high and clear, Chanted tidings of good cheer, "See, the Infant King is here, Christ is born!" * * * * * 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! * * * * * THE CHRISTMAS FIRES ANNE P.L. FIELD The Christmas fires brightly gleam And dance among the holly boughs, The Christmas pudding's spicy steam With fragrance fills the house, While merry grows each friendly soul Over the foaming wassail bowl. Resplendent stands the glitt'ring tree, Weighted with gifts for old and young, The children's faces shine with glee, And joyous is each tongue, While lads and lassies come and go Under the festive mistletoe. When suddenly the frosty air Is filled with music, voices sweet, Lo! see the Christmas waits are there Snow-crowned and bare of feet, Yet high and clear their voices ring, And glad their Christmas carolling. * * * * * CAROL O Child of Mary's tender care! O little Child so pure and fair! Cradled within the manger hay On that divine first Christmas day! The hopes of every age and race Are centered in Thy radiant face! O Child whose glory fills the earth! O little Child of lowly birth! The shepherds, guided from afar, Stood worshiping beneath the star, And wise-men fell on bended knee And homage offered unto Thee!