A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, saying,
Luke 2:13–14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.
Words: Thomas S. Weddle, in Good Will, edited by T. Martin Towne & Jairus M. Stillman (Chicago, Illinois: Fleming H. Revell, 1878), page 28.
Music: M. A. Rublee (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Rublee’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him or Weddle,
Angels from their home in glory
Gladly flew, gladly flew;
Flew to tell the joyful story,
Christ is born today for you:
Holy angels, holy angels,
We would come and worship, too!
With the wondrous star for guiding,
Bright and fair, bright and fair,
Wise men found on earth abiding,
Christ, of all things king and heir;
Happy wise men, happy wise men,
In your worship we would share.
May we find whom ancient sages
Once adored, once adored?
All the Savior’s love engages,
Surest guidance to afford;
Blessèd day star, blessèd day star,
Lead us onward to the Lord.
Patient Simeon, old and hoary,
Waiting long, waiting long,
Found at last the Lord of glory,
Then before the wondering throng
Gladly blessed Him, gladly blessed Him;
Blessed the Lord in thankful song.
Lo, to us before our seeking,
Christ appears, Christ appears;
Words of love and mercy speaking,
Gives us hope, forbids our fears;
And with blessings, and with blessings,
Fills our happy, youthful years.
May we, while our hearts are tender,
All agree, all agree,
Love and praise, O Lord, to render,
Thro’ our earthly lives to Thee?
Then to glory, then to glory,
Bring us, Thy blest face to see.