Hymn for Christmas. I.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
St. Luke, ii. 14.
The mighty Saviour comes from heaven,
He comes to save a world forgiven:
Hark! angels sing, and heavenly light
Shines round the shepherds in the night.
As glides his winged herald near,
The trembling shepherds shrink with fear;
Fear not, he cries, while love and grace
Beam from his heaven-illumined face.
Glad tidings of great joy he tells,
That He in whom all fulness dwells,
The Son of God, from heaven come down,
Is born this day in David’s town.
He speaks, and lo! a heavenly throng
Give praise to God in holy song;
And, as they touch their golden lyres,
This glorious theme their hymn inspires.
Glory to God, through Jesu’s birth,
Good will to man, and peace on earth;
Now God in men shall pleasure take,
And bless them still for Jesu’s sake.
The shepherds joined, with wondering gaze
And faltering voice, the song of praise;
And straight to Bethlehem sped away,
To where their infant Saviour lay.
So now let us, with heart and voice,
In God our Hope and Strength rejoice;
For evermore with praise adore
The Son, who all our sorrows bore.
His just commands let us fulfil,
And, true to death, obey Him still;
Then God, to do whose will He died,
Shall see it, and be satisfied,
And graciously, when life is past,
Will call us home to heaven at last;
Meanwhile our voices here we raise,
To join His angels’ song of praise.