Scripture Verse

Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Introduction

Words: Will­iam C. Wil­bor, Ode to Nia­ga­ra and Oth­er Poe­ms (New York: Ea­ton & Mains, 1911), pag­es 23–24.

Music: Ado­ra­tion (Doane) W. How­ard Doane, 1883 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Wil­bor (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Howard Doane (1832–1915)

Lyrics

illustration
Shepherds Abiding in the Fields
Carl H. Bloch (1834–1890)

Christ is born! and heav’n­ly glo­ry
Shines on Beth­le­hem’s dark­ened sky;
Christ is born! O joy­ful sto­ry!
Man’s re­demp­tion draw­eth nigh.

Christ is born! the her­ald an­gel
Sings the an­them sweet and clear,
Christ is born! the bright ev­an­gel
Sings, while won­der­ing shep­herds hear.

“Christ is born! peace, joy, and bless­ing
Welcome news to all I bring;
Christ is born, all love pos­sess­ing,
Jesus, Son of God, is King!

Christ is born! and in a man­ger
They the ho­ly Babe have laid;
Christ is born! the hea­ven­ly Stran­ger
You shall find, be not afraid.

Christ is born! the host of Hea­ven
Hovering ov­er Ju­dah’s plain,
Christ is born! Mes­si­ah giv­en!
Loud they sing the glad re­frain.

Christ is born, the Sav­ior, glo­ri­ous,
Comes to suf­fer, comes to die;
Christ is born to live vic­to­ri­ous,
Born to reign eter­nal­ly.