Scripture Verse

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

Introduction

portrait
George C. Hugg
1848–1907

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),

Lyrics

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