Star of Bethlehem

Written by Marjorie C. Lundstrom, 1965

 Oh Holy Star of Bethlehem,
    Shine forth with Love today;
Illuminate the hearts of men
    And drive the dark away.

The dark and hidden hates and fears,

    That lurk within the mind;

The malice and the jealousies,

    Which only God can find.

The dark and hardened hearts that stand,

    Like obelisks of ice;

Who scoff at God and Christ and prayer,    

    And care not what the price.

Oh Holy Star, that showed the way

    To Wiseman long ago;

Reach deep into the skeptic's heart,

    And set They flame aglow.

To darkness crowding busy lives,

    Who cannot find the time,

To give some thought to God each day,

    Or hear the church bells chime.

The blackened shroud that wraps the world,

    In wars and death and grief;

In prejudice and violence,

    Beyond humane belief.

The many, thinking just of Self,

    Who take and never give;

 Who won't let Christ come into their hearts,

    To teach them how to live,

The pious ones, who think they have,

    A sacramental life;

Who gossip evil words and thoughts,

    and cause much grief and strife.

While Science sends its finest men,

    Through space, to touch the stars;

The hatred bred in other hearts,

    Writes History's blackest scars.

Oh God, help them to find Thy way:

    The light of faith in Good,

The wish to make their task in life,

    A world of brotherhood.

So many starts that light the skies

    And make the Heavens bright;

May not exist, as of Today,

    But still we see their light,

Everyone should ask himself:

    "When Life is gone for me,

Will thoughts and words and deeds of mine,

    Shine on, for all to see?"

Oh Holy Star of Bethlehem, 

    Guide all the wandering feet;

That they may find the Christ again

    And make their lives complete.