Rev. Anthony Kuzniewski, S.J.

Rise, Brothers, rise, the star has shone
To light us to our King.
Come haste to fall before his throne
Your choicest treasures bring.

This is the star that conquer’d night
And shed a living ray:
‘Tis this that guided, by its light
The Gentiles into day.

‘Tis this will show you where your King,
An infant lowly lies,
Although his praises Angels sing
Along the vaulted sky.

Your hidden treasures then unfold,
Your dearest gifts impart,
He asks no beams of burnish’d gold,
He only asks your heart.

Thomas F. Mulledy, S.J.
circa 1820

I came across this Christmas poem last summer while doing some research in the papers of Fr. Thomas Mulledy, S.J., first president of Holy Cross. He wrote the poem as a young Jesuit seminarian, before ordination, He enjoyed writing poetry, and his papers include many examples, This one stands the test of time for its charm and its message.

A blessed and merry Christmas to you!