On the eastern plain the flocks are sleeping,
Are sweetly sleeping, are sweetly sleeping;
O’er them faithful shepherds watch are keeping,
While sweetest music fills the air.

Refrain

The bells are ringing, sweetly ringing,
The merry, merry bells, the Christmas bells;
The bells are ringing, sweetly ringing,
The merry bells, the Christmas bells.

Wondrous is the news their tones are telling,
Are softly telling, are softly telling;
Round the waiting earth in chorus swelling,
They tell of Jesus, born this day.

Refrain

Still the message round the earth is ringing,
Is sweetly ringing, is sweetly ringing;
Nations to the King are tribute bringing,
To Christ, the Savior, King of all.

Refrain