Suddenly there was…a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke 2:13–14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Words: Ferdinand Q. Blanchard, 1909.
Music: Thanksgiving (Gilbert) Walter B. Gilbert, 1862 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a better photo of Gilbert,
Bethlehem sleeps beneath the stars,
Midst the mystery of the night;
But where shepherds watch their flocks,
Lo! there shines a wondrous light.
Clear a joyous chorus swells,
Peals in triumph through the sky,
Peace on earth, good-will to men!
Raise the alleluia high.
Jesus, born of Mary, comes,
Dawns the new day with His birth;
Now proclaim the hope of Christ
Over all the realms of earth.
In His faith the sad are brave,
By His power men conquer sin,
Though injustice would hold sway
Truth and love their reign begin.
Grant us then, O God of love,
Hearts where Christ shall come today,
May our wills be one with His,
May His Spirit guide our way.
God of Jesus, may His truths
Bless the world this Christmastide,
’Till with all the sons of men,
Faith and hope and love abide.