Gather close for Christmas . . .

Gather close for Christmas;
the year turns dark and cold.
Last leaves are falling;
loving hands take hold.

Family round the table
warms the room with laughter;
old, familiar carols
shake the church's rafters.

But what of those who are gone?
Tonight I see them here:
fingers that hung the lights,
lifted a glass of cheer.

When I am gone,
where will they be?
Bells of Christmas, ring for them.
Bells of Christmas, ring for me.

'Bells of Christmas', Frank Beck