The Cyber Hymnal ‎#2566

2566. How Blest Were They on Bethlehem's Plain

1. How blest were they on Bethlehem’s plain,
Beneath the midnight sky,
Who heard the angel’s joyful strain,
Who heard the angel’s joyful strain,
And felt that Heaven was nigh,
That Heaven was nigh.

2. Fear not, for on this holy morn
Good news to all I bring;
In Bethlehem’s lowly shrine is born,
In Bethlehem’s lowly shrine is born,
Jesus, the infant King,
The infant King.

3. Then suddenly a heavenly band
Join in the angel’s song,
While rock and hill through Judah’s land
While rock and hill through Judah’s land
The notes of praise prolong,
Of praise prolong.

4. And thus the joyful chorus ran—
Glory to God be given!
For peace on earth, goodwill to man,
For peace on earth, goodwill to man,
Descend to him from Heaven,
To him from Heaven.

5. Glad tidings! nor on Bethlehem’s plain
Alone that song was sweet;
Lo! millions hail with joy the strain,
Lo! millions hail with joy the strain,
And seek the Savior’s feet,
The Savior’s feet.

6. And still to millions yet unborn
Shall sound from shore to shore
The song, which waked that holy morn,
The song, which waked that holy morn,
Till time shall be no more!
Shall be no more!

Text Information

• First Line: How blest were they on Bethlehem's plain
• Title: How Blest Were They on Bethlehem's Plain
• Author: Mrs. Bodley (19th Century)
• Language: English
• Source: Carols for Use in Church, by Richard R. Chope (London: William Clowes & Sons, Limited, 1894), number 89
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: [How blest were they on Bethlehem's plain]
• Arranger: Herbert Stephens Irons
• Incipit: 17714 31671 32176
• Key: B♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain