Scripture Verse

I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10–11

Introduction

Words: Ano­ny­mous, in A Se­lect­ion of Car­ols, Piec­es and An­thems (Lon­don: W. Kent, cir­ca 1860), page 10.

Music: Ar­ling­ton Tho­mas A. Arne, 1762. Ar­ranged by Ralph Har­ris­on, 1784 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Thomas Arne (1710–1778)

Lyrics

Angels pro­claim the hap­py morn,
Their ech­oes fill the sky,
To you a Sav­ior, Christ, is born,
Glory to God on high.

He left the shin­ing worlds ab­ove,
And laid His glo­ry by,
To show the won­ders of His love,
Glory to God on high.

Good-will to men, and peace on earth,
Was sung to shep­herds nigh;
Our hearts re­joice at Je­su’s birth,
Glory to God on high.