The Cradle and The Cross

 by A.S. Reitz

(published in The Speaker's Treasury of 400 Quotable Poems
compiled by Croft M. Pentz, (c) 1963)

When Bethlehem's manger first cradled the King,

And angels glad news to the shepherds did bring,
The blackness of midnight beamed like the sun,
As God gave to mankind His wonderful One. 

But when on the cross, as a sinner, Christ died,
With nail-pierced hands, and with spear-riven side,
The brightness of noonday was turned into night,
And men smote their breasts at the sorrowful sight. 

Yet Bethlehem's cradle and Calvary's hill
were all in the plan of God's infinite will.
The cross and the manger were made for this King
And heaven forever His praises wll sing. 

Today, Christ the light of the world will come in
And cleanse any heart from its midnight of sin.
His presence will banish the darkness of night,
And brighten the soul with His heavenly light.

All hail then to Jesus, our Lord evermore,
As men of all nations the Saviour adore.
To Bethlehem's Infant, to Calvary's King,
Our deepest devotion and homage we bring.