1 A shepherd band their flocks are keeping,
And gentle lambs are sweetly sleeping;
When suddenly they all behold
An angel in bright robes with harp of gold.
2 Glad tidings of great joy he bringeth,
The azure vault with anthems ringeth;
"Emmanuel" awakes the song,
And countless hosts the glorious theme prolong.
3 "To you this day is born a Saviour,
Your Prophet, Priest, and King for ever;"
"All glory be to God," they cry;
"All glory be to God," let earth reply.
4 "On earth be peace with mercy blending,
Good-will to men, and love unending;"
Thus sweetly sing the angel throng,
And all the heavenly host rehearse the song.
5 Thro' field and wood the song resoundeth,
O'er hill and value the chorus boundeth;
Exultingly the echoes roll,
And hymns of triumph spread from pole to pole.
6 The shepherds view the host returning,
Their hearts with holy ardour burning;
To Bethlehem they wend their way,
Repeating with glad tongues th' angelic lay.
7 In haste they seek the heavenly Stranger;
They find the Babe laid in a manger;
With wonder and with awe they fall,
And joyfully adore Him, Lord of all!
8 Now every voice with rapture swelleth,
For Christ the Lord with mortals dwelleth;
Let men and angels Him adore,
And shout their glad Hosannnas evermore.
Source: Voices of Praise: for school and church and home #346
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