DECORATING THE OLD CHURCH.

Gray old gardener, what do you bring?

“Laurel and ivy and bay,

With palms for the crowning of a King —

The morrow is Christmas Day.

“Holly with thorns, and berries like blood

On its shiny greenness flung.

O the pierced side, and the thorny crown,

And the cross whereon He hung!

“The mistletoe, meaning All-healing,

Hangs close to the holly's thorn,

Lest we forget that on Christmas Day

The Healer of Souls was born.

“Ivy's for faith; on the altar rail

Let it creep where all may see;

It crept till it kissed a cheek so pale

That night in Gethsemane.

“Bay's for remembrance, full and sweet;

It speaks with its fragrant breath

Of manger and cross and a lowly tomb,

And a love that conquered death.

“And laurel leaves for the wreath I bring,

The laurel for victory,

And palms for the crowning of a King —

The morrow is Christmas Day.”