Classic Poem

Earlier to thee comes the Christmas morn;
Far east of the East where Christ was born.
A Christmas greeting, young Christian, to thee,
Amongst Pagans as pagan as Pagans can be!

And over two Oceans I make thee the sign,
Mystical, wondrous, immortal, divine,
That with water and word I made on thy brow,
And called thee a soldier — aye, then, as now.

Soldier enlisted and sworn at the knee
Of Him who was conquered for thee and for me,
And for every man under the heavenly blue,
Buddhist and Brahmin and Moslem and Jew.