Hark ! Our Better Angels Sing
I don’t believe in Jesus, and I don’t believe the Virgin Birth –
But Lord, you know I’m trying hard to find some faith in Peace on Earth.
We’re slowly getting better, but the getting better comes so slow
Yet watch the skies each Christmas Day, and finally you’ll see some snow !
So even though I know, oh Lord, that you aren’t even really there,
I’ll sing the songs and send the cards, and hope the World is free and fair –
And even as we dress the tree, and string the lights, and spark the flame,
Let’s wish you Merry Christmas all the same.
I’m sorry, in a sense, that it has come to this, but there you are…
Or rather, there you aren’t, you see, and neither was the guiding star.
And all those prayers, and all those hymns, and all that guilt we sent your way
Have only stopped a single war, and only for a single day.
Best not to hope in baby-gods, or mistletoe, or helper elves –
Looks like we’re on our own, oh Lord – for God helps those who help themselves !
Yet even as we make mistakes, and even as we take the blame,
We’ll wish you Merry Christmas all the same.
I don’t believe in Jesus, and I don’t believe the Virgin Birth –
But Lord, a hundred thousand other babes are born tonight on Earth.
I don’t believe in miracles, I don’t believe in prophesies –
But Lord, I long for peace tonight, regardless of philosophies.
So even though I know, oh Lord, that you aren’t even really there,
I thought I ought to let you know, and thought I ought to let you care –
And even though I don’t believe that baby Jesus ever came,
I’ll wish you Merry Christmas all the same.
Rhyming Couplets 