Moravian Book of Worship ‎#284

284. Softly the Night Is Sleeping

1 Softly the night is sleeping
on Bethlehem's peaceful hill;
silent the shepherds watching,
the gentle flocks are still.
But hark! The wondrous music
falls from the op'ning sky;
valley and cliff re-echo, "Glory to God on high!"

Refrain:
Glory to God! Glory to God!
Glory to God!
It rings again; peace on the earth!
Goodwill to men!

2 Day in the east is breaking;
day o'er the crimsoned earth;
now the glad world is waking,
glad in the Savior's birth!
See where the clear star bendeth
over the manger blessed;
see where the infant Jesus
smiles upon Mary's breast! [Refrain]

3 Come with the gladsome shepherds,
quick hast'ning from the fold;
come with the wise men, pouring
incense and myrrh and gold.
Come to him, poor and lowly,
around the cradle throne,
come with your hearts of sunshine,
and sing the angels' song. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Softly the night is sleeping
• Title: Softly the Night Is Sleeping
• Author: Edward Abiel Washburne (1881)
• Refrain First Line: Glory to God!
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D. with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Matthew 1:23
  ;
  Matthew 2:1-12
  ;
  Luke 2:8-15
  ;
  John 1:6-14
• Topic: Christmas; Christian year--Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: WARNER
• Composer: Massah M. Warner, 1836-1900
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D. with Refrain
• Key: C Major
• Notes: 151 W in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns