O Lord, there sit apart in lonely places,
On this, the gladdest night of all year,
Some stricken ones with sad and weary faces,
To whom the thought of Christmas brings no cheer.
For these, O Father, our petition hear,
And send the pitying Christ-child very near.
Lord, some sit by lonely hearthstones, sobbing,
Who feel this night all earthly love denied,
Who hear but dirges in the loud bells' throbbing
For loved ones lost who blessed last Christmastide--
For these, O Father, our petition hear,
And send the loving Christ-child very near.