The angel said unto them,
Luke 2:10–14Fear not: for, behold, 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. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Words: Julia H. Johnston, in Bible Study Songs, by Bertha F. Vella & Daniel Towner (Boston, Massachusetts: Pilgrim Press, 1899), page 128.
Music: Daniel B. Towner (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Johnston (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Under the beautiful Syrian sky,
Keeping their flocks while the night went by,
Shepherds were watching; when on their sight,
Suddenly burst a glorious light;
Lo, from the heavens, an angel fair
Came with a message to meet them there;
While they were trembling with fear and dread,
These were the words that the angel said:
Refrain
Tidings, good tidings of joy I bring,
;
Christ is born, who is Lord and king
This was the angel’s wonderful song;
Sing it again, and the notes prolong.
This,
said the angel, shall be the sign:
Laid in a manger, the Babe divine,
Ye in the city may soon behold—
City of David, the place foretold.
Suddenly then with the angel bright,
Multitudes fair of the hosts of light,
Hasten their jubilant notes to raise,
Joining their chorus of joy and praise.
Refrain
Into the city where Christ was born,
Hastened the shepherds at early morn:
There, in the manger, they saw the Child,
Holy, and harmless and undefiled.
Come! Let us seek Him who came to earth;
Let us rejoice in His lowly birth;
Spread the good news of the Savior’s love;
Join the glad song of the hosts above.
Refrain