"Father Christmas!" by Rev. Joseph C. Booth (1927)

Father Christmas!

REV. JOSEPH C. BOOTH.

Old Father Christmas, bending 'neath the weight

        Of centuries, comes down his frozen track,

        With variegated gifts piled in his pack,

The birthday of the Christ to celebrate.

In honor of this great, eventful date,

        Let us, in preparation, show no lack;

        Let not our heart be cold, our hands be slack,

But joyfully responsive and elate.

In harmony with God's stupendous gift,

        With self-denying efforts crown the day;

The hungry feed, financial burdens lift

        And drive the pangs of poverty away;

Hail, Father Christmas, may thy coming prove

A glad memorial of redeeming love!

        Melrose, N. Y.

Troy Times. December 24, 1927: 20 col 2.

                                                                                                Christopher K. Philippo