Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
Words & Music: Roy E. Nolte, 1916 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Nolte (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Bells of Christmas ring far and near,
Pealing out their message of cheer,
Rhyming, chiming thro’ the frosty air,
Flinging joyous echoes everywhere;
Telling tidings blessèd and glad,
Over fields in wintry garments clad,
Sweet their music sells,
Oh, hear the merry bells.
Refrain
Oh, merry Christmas bells,
Your music sweetly tells
A message o’er the earth
Of Christ the Savior’s birth;
It sings afar and near,
This blessèd story dear,
And brings on blessèd Christmas morn,
Sweet peace which ne’er shall cease.
Bells of Christmas ring! hark, the chime,
Pealing out a message sublime;
Echoes softly steal o’er plain and hill,
Ever telling, Peace on earth, good will!
Bringing joy here once shadows lay,
Brightness over this glad, happy day,
Sweet their music sells,
Oh, hear the merry bells.
Refrain