Life, 1925-12-25 · page 7 of 37
Life — December 25, 1925 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a sentimental Christmas poem rather than political satire. The illustrated narrative depicts the nativity scene—a shepherd and wise men visiting the Christ child in a manger, with Mary present. The poem celebrates the religious and domestic dimensions of Christmas: the humble birth, Mary's maternal joy, the gifts brought by visitors, and the spiritual significance of the occasion. The text emphasizes themes of peace, divine light, and humble devotion. The decorative elements (cornucopia, greenery) are purely festive. This represents Life magazine's occasional turn toward wholesome, non-satirical cultural content—in this case, a reverent literary treatment of Christmas traditions rather than social or political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
EER and shepherd, clod and king, Each his rapture’s underling, Hearing duty thundering, Had his leave betaken. Ina corner Joseph stood Awed in glory’s neighborhood. Who was he that worked in wood To remain unshaken? With the coming of the day Joseph put the gifts away. Mary on her bed of hay Watched the baby sleeping. Colored pots of balm and myrrh, Jeweled coats and miniver; Unobserved were they by her With the world in keeping. Silver trinkets wrought in haste, Sugar loaves and almond paste, Small delights for sight and taste; All the poor could offer. Samite cloth and rugs that came From a Cairene Princess’ frame. Scarves of Tyre’s own blue and flame From a Prince's coffer. Joseph placed them ina row Where the mother's eyes might go When she ceased to wonder so Ather baby’s slumber. Seraphim, their vigil done, Vanished as the pilgrim sun Came to see a brighter one Than in heaven's number. In her wisdom Mary knew Peaceful nights for him were few. And her arm to shade him flew, Lest God's light be danger. But the bells that babies hear— Hung in small hearts, crystal clear; Soundless to the conscious ear— SAW? WANA | AWS" PWN SA N\A, Sdi7 NY iI WAY) Ley, Ashe wakened witha cry Sunlight climbed the shouting sky. Life resumed in cote and sty. Time again had measure. With her nurseling safely fed Mary's apprehensions fled. “Joseph, come to me,” she said, “And behold my treasure. “See his baby stare, poor mite! Mother's love and God's delight! Give me something gay and bright, I may hold before him. Bring those.” Mary saw a wall Decked with playthings large and small. Joseph mutely fetched them all While an anguish tore him. These were gifts to God, to be Honored with humility! Now, alas, she too must see One should not abuse them. But sweet Mary, motherwise, Given toys that might devise Laughter in a baby’s eyes, So began to use them. Marc Connelly. comicbooks.com