O Christmas past, O Christmas past
With fond memories we retell
The childhood visions we each had
Which in our hearts did swell
There were shining lights upon the tree
That cast a misty glow
And candy canes and tinseled bells
Along with the mistletoe
The good times we had, the friends we made
Are the true joys that shall last
As we bid farewell and fond adieu
To the spirit of Christmas pass
O Christmas present, O Christmas present
May we enjoy thee this year
As we let our children know
That we love them so
And shall always hold them dear
There are presents to give
And carols to sing
Perhaps a romp in the snow
Soft words to say, kind words to do
To help each other grow
Let us relish the time we have right now
Before the evening's spent
And count our blessings one and all
O spirit of Christmas present
O Christmas future, O Christmas future
We eagerly look forward for thee
When the king of kings shall come again
And set the captives free
Once Jesus was just a babe
A-lying in a a stall
But soon we shall see him as he is
Our savior and lord of all
Melt us thy spirit, Lord
That in our hearts may stir
A hymn of great rejoicing
For the spirit of Christmas future
O Christmas past, and Christmas present,
And Christmas yet to come
We are grateful for this time of year
And for the advent of thy son
(First published on December 24, 1979,
with revisions made on December 25, 2019)