Let the songs of earth arise, mounting upward to the skies, voices joined in grateful praise for the love that crowns our days. Long ago the stars of light pierced the darkness of the night, heard the angel voice proclaim glory to God's holy name. Sages watching eastern skies saw a greater star arise; gathered gifts and made their way to a child amid the hay; found God's glory come to earth in the miracle of birth, in a father's strong embrace, in a mother's shining face. Shepherds in the fields at night found their darkness turned to light; heard angelic voices sing of a more than earthly king; one whose love would rule the earth through the gift of second birth and the reign of peace extend unto earth's remotest end. Still today we see the star, worshipers from near and far; still we hear the angel's song though the night be dark and long. Ever in our hearts a voice sounds the summons to rejoice; calls us to a life of praise for the loves that crowns our days.