On Christmas Day

Assist me, Muse Divine! To sing the Morn

On which the Saviour of Mankind was born

But oh! What Numbers to the Theme can rise?

Unless kind Angels aid me from the skies?

Methinks I see the tuneful Host descend

And with officious Joy the Scene attend.

Hark, by their hymns directed on the Road,

The gladsome Shepherds find the nascent God!

And view the Infant conscious of his Birth,

Smiling bespeak Salvation to the Earth!

by George Washington

This was written in George Washington’s most excellent handwriting [and still exists] when Washington was age thirteen, in 1745. It has been debated whether he actually wrote the poem, or simply copied it.

By 1765-68 someone put it to music, and it was sung in the Churches in the Pohick, Alexandria, Fredericksburg area.

(http://www.ministers-best-friend.com/George-Washington-CHRISTMAS-POEM-Age-13.html)

——————————————————W.