Chanukah Lights

A SINGLE light is kindled and it glows

Upon the darkness with a golden ray—

A little feeble light, but yet it shows

The night has still a fraction of the day.

The single light has grown to two;

The friend has won a friend, the light

Has warmed another heart, and through

One fervor, two now pierce the night.

The double light has grown to three,

That brilliantly illumes the eve;

Thus ever shall bright constancy

The fruits of faithfulness receive!

Three little lights have grown to four;

How softly, sweetly do they shine.

Their grace on all dark places pour

A reflex of the light divine!

Behold, the lights have grown to five!

So courage grows in hearts that trust

God’s mercy, who will keep alive

His children, though they be but dust.

At last, the wondrous lights are eight,

To six the little lamps have grown;

In happy company they shed

Their brightness. None need stand alone

Who by the light of God are led.

Thus shall God’s purpose reach its goal.

Anon, the lights have grown to seven,

Behold, the night is as the day!

So can this earth grow like to Heaven,

If men will walk in Heaven’s way.

He lifts man from his low estate

And breathes new hope into his soul.