As dark as coal the cloudless night

so cold as snow the ground.

Harder than the frosted dust

the hearts of men around.

Thick silence knit the skies to earth,

as guilty Adam dreamed

of paradise he could not reach

of life that might abound.

–

The night was split in cries of light

a baby bawling loud.

A child cradled in the feed

as sheep and shepherds bowed.

The Lord of skies had come to earth,

and tired Mary beamed,

a paradise lay sleeping sound

the center of the crowd.

–

Silent Adam slept the night

as quiet as before,

unaware of light or sight,

and heavy-laden sore.

Yet on that night, in Bethlehem

a rising sun that gleamed

would melt the snow of frozen earth

with peace that ends a war.