Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
Words: F. E. Pettingell, in The Helper in Sacred Song, edited by George C. Hugg & Frank L. Armstrong (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Church & Sunday School Music Publishing, 1889), pages 190–91.
Music: George C. Hugg (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Pettingell’s full name, or where to get a good photo of her (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
On dewy plains where shepherds were abiding
Beside their flocks, with tender, watchful eye;
Awoke the song, the still night air dividing,
The song of angels rang thro’ the starlit sky.
Refrain
Glad angel voices, from thy domain,
Strike thy full chorus, repeat thy sweet refrain;
Fair spirits hover near each happy throng,
This day assembled, to sing thy Christmas song.
In lowly stall a newborn Babe was sleeping,
While dumb, meek kine unheeding stand around;
A mother’s love her watchful vigils keeping,
While thro’ the night air glad angel voices sound.
Refrain
O starlit night, how sweet thy music ringing!
How blest the truth, the story of His birth!
O angel throng, thro’ Heaven’s arches winging,
May the grand chorus re-echo round the earth!
Refrain