1 Hark! the song of choirs angelic,
Radiant in their robes of white,
Gently borne upon the breezes,
Breaks the silence of the night.
Wake, O sleeper! Wake right early!
Herald angels sing to thee,
Music swelling, joy foretelling—
’Tis thy Lord’s nativity.
2 Filled with fear, the wakeful shepherds
Listened to the angels’ lay,
Reassured, they learn the message:
“Christ, your Lord, is born today!
Peace on earth, good-will to men
Through eternal ages be.”
Sighs and sadness, turn to gladness
On the Lord’s nativity!
3 Lowly in a manger lying,
Heav’nly light around Thee shed,
Object of our praise undying;
Holy Child in humble bed;
May Thy birthday ever find us
Praising the Eternal Three,
Who, to save us, freely gave us
Life, with Thy nativity.
4 Year by year, Thy Church unsleeping
Careful of Thy lambs below,
Still her faithful watch is keeping,
Till her cup of joy o’erflow;
Praises will she ever mingle
With her glad festivity:
Carols singing, joybells ringing,
On her Lord’s nativity.