Friendly greetings, smiles and nods,
Passing neighbours on the roads –
These are steps upstairs to God’s home – climb them.
If you’d make life more sublime,
If you’ve carillons to chime, chime them –
Do not wait till Christmas.

If you’d brighten my death-bed,
Do not wait until I’m dead;
Come at once, not only once, but often.
If you’ve love to me to give,
Give it to me while I live –
Do not wait until the lid is on my coffin –
Give it now.