1 When Christ was born of Mary free,
In Bethlehem, that fair city,
Angels sung e're with mirth and glee,
[Refrain:]
In excelsis gloria,
gloria, gloria,
In excelsis gloria,
Christo paremus cantica,
In excelsis gloria.
2 Herdmen beheld these angels bright--
To them appearéd with great light,
And said, 'God's Son is born this night': [Refrain]
3 This King is come to save his kind,
In the scripture as we find;
Therefore this song have we in mind: [Refrain]
4 Then, dear Lord, for thy great grace,
Grant us the bliss to see thy face,
Where we may sing to thy solace. [Refrain]
Source: Ecumenical Praise #24