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| ’TWAS Midnight, and the calm clear sky | |
| Was studded o’er with gems of light; | |
| No breeze went floating by | |
| To break the stillness of that glorious night. | |
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| Tending their flocks with watchful care, | 5 |
| A lowly band of Shepherd-men, | |
| Beneath the midnight air, | |
| Were gathered on Judæa’s palmy plain. | |
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| Hark! whence is that melodious sound | |
| Which bursts upon that listening ear, | 10 |
| Shedding on all around | |
| A holy Joy, a reverential Fear? | |
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| Well may they turn their wondering glance | |
| Enraptured, to the starry skies: | |
| Well may such strains entrance, | 15 |
| And draw from earth to Heaven the dullest eyes. | |
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| ’Tis from yon bright Celestial Band, | |
| Those thrilling notes of glory ring: | |
| Sent from the Heavenly Land, | |
| Glad tidings of great Joy to earth to bring. | 20 |
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| Glory to Thee, O Lord, most High— | |
| Is the sweet music of their song, | |
| While echo takes the cry | |
| And wafts it far the vaulted arch along. | |
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| And Peace on earth, Good will toward men, | 25 |
| Will Christ the King of Glory bring; | |
| Then let us join their strain, | |
| And praises to the new-born Saviour sing. | |
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