1 When the bakers start their fires
and the stuffed goose casts its lure
and the baskets full of chestnuts loll
like gentlemen at doors,
We thank our gracious Father
for the feast laid at our feet
and all the meat and fish and fruit
He’s given us to eat.
2 When the girls dance round in furs
and the sharp men doff their hats
and the lamplighters tap fire to wick
like mischievous black cats,
We thank our gracious Father
for our friends and family
and all the health and wealth and love
which makes us so happy.
3 When the church bells toll their call
and the people gather in
and the Bible tells of sinners whom
the Good Lord has forgiv’n,
We thank our gracious Father
for His Son whom Mary bore
and all the blind and deaf and lame
that Jesus may restore.
4 When the dead man fades to dust
and the spade turns up his bones
and the mourners in black armbands face
the rest of life alone,
We thank our gracious Father
for the angels bending near
to bring our lost and lonely prayers
to God’s eternal ear.
5 When the boys give glad noel
and the snow drifts on the air
and the mothers in the workhouse sing
to babies who aren’t there,
We thank our gracious Father
for the stable and the star
that hope in dark and troubled times
may beckon from afar.