The Nativity of Christ

Verse 1

Behold! the grace appears, The promise is fulfilled! Mary, the wondrous virgin, bears, And Jesus is the child.

Verse 2

[The Lord, the highest God, Calls him his only Son; He bids him rule the lands abroad, And gives him David’s throne.]

Verse 3

[O’er Jacob shall he reign With a peculiar sway; The nations shall his grace obtain, His kingdom ne’er decay.]

Verse 4

To bring the glorious news A heavenly form appears; He tells the shepherds of their joys, And banishes their fears.

Verse 5

“Go, humble swains,” said he, “To David’s city fly, The promised Infant born today Does in a manger lie.

Verse 6

“With looks and hearts serene, Go visit Christ, your King”; And straight a flaming troop was seen; The shepherds heard them sing:

Verse 7

“Glory to God on high, And heavenly peace on earth; Good will to men, to angels joy, At the Redeemer’s birth!”

Verse 8

[In worship so divine Let saints employ their tongues; With the celestial host we join, And loud repeat their songs:

Verse 9

“Glory to God on high, And heavenly peace on earth; Good will to men, to angels joy, At the Redeemer’s birth!”]