No Silent Night Was This

Sweet “Stille Nacht” is but a prayer;
No silent night was this,
When angel hosts announced on high
The birth of God with Us.

Holy, yes, but earthly too,
No silent night was this,
When with one final virgin cry
Labor turned to bliss.

‘Tis but a late-come comfort wish;
No silent night was that
Which brought the babe but born to die,
Lulled by Magnificat.

Keep quiet, heart. In silence sing
The coming of the keening King.