by Eugene Field
Why do the bells of Christmas ring?
Why do little children sing?
Once a lovely shining star,
Seen by shepherds from afar,
Gently moved until its light
Made a manger's cradle bright.
There a darling baby lay,
Pillowed soft upon the hay ;
And its mother sung and smiled :
"This is Christ, the holy Child!"
Therefore bells for Christmas ring,
Therefore little children sing.
