Scripture Verse

Unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given. Isaiah 9:6

Introduction

portrait
James Montgomery
(1771–1854)
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: James Mont­go­me­ry (1771–1854). First ap­peared in A Se­lect­ion of Psalms and Hymns, 8th edi­tion, by Tho­mas Cot­ter­ill, 1819.

Music: Al­ces­ter Sam­uel S. Wes­ley, in A Se­lect­ion of Psalms and Hymns, by Charles Kem­ble (Lond­on: John F. Shaw, 1864), num­ber 35 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Malin Bridge tra­di­tion­al Eng­lish tune. Ap­peared in The Plough Inn car­ol Book, au­thor and pub­lish­er un­known, for­ward by Ste­phen Brear­ley and Ruth Sims, dat­ed 20th Cen­tu­ry or ear­li­er (🔊 pdf nwc)
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Samuel Wesley (1810–1876)

Lyrics

Bright and joy­ful is the morn,
For to us a child is born;
From the high­est realms of Heav’n,
Unto us a son is giv’n.

On His shoul­der He shall bear
Power and ma­jes­ty, and wear
On His ves­ture and His thigh,
Names most aw­ful, names most high.

Wonderful in coun­sel He,
The in­car­nate De­ity;
Sire of ag­es, ne’er to cease,
King of kings, and Prince of peace.

Come and wor­ship at His feet;
Yield to Christ the hom­age meet;
From His man­ger to His throne,
Homage due to God alone.