Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Words: John Needham, Hymns Devotional and Moral on Various Subjects (Bristol, England: S. Farley, 1768), number 77.
Music: Dundee Scottish Psalter, 1615 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Needham (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Blest news! To us a child is born,
To us a son is given;
Emmanuel He, the God with us,
The choicest gift of Heaven.
With transport view this wondrous Child,
Of purest virgin born;
In your best songs the titles sing
Which His great name adorn.
The brightest rays of heav’nly truth
From Him reflected shine;
The Father’s wisdom dwells in Him,
Our counselor divine.
To universal empire born,
The charge He well sustains;
Nations rejoice, the mighty Lord,
Your king Messiah reigns.
With growing honors He shall sit
On David’s ancient throne;
There shall He ever reign, and thence
Shall make His justice known.
Lord of the future glorious age
By Heaven’s unchanged decree;
Gentiles and Jews shall own His sway,
And angels bow the knee.
Blest news! to us a child is born;
The Prince of Peace is given;
He brings down heav’nly peace to earth,
And makes our peace with Heav’n.