While shep­herds on the eastern plain
Were keep­ing faith­ful watch by night,
Loud bursts the soul-in­spir­ing strain,
As Beth­l’hem’s star beamed on their sight.

Refrain

Glory to God! Glo­ry to God!
Glory to God for re­demp­tion’s plan;
Glory to God! Glo­ry to God!
Glory to God and good­will to man!

With wing­èd speed, the an­gel choir,
Descending on their shin­ing way,
Struck with new theme the tune­ful lyre,
And night was turned to bright­en­ing day.

Refrain

Glad tid­ings of great joy we bring,
Good news to you and all man­kind;
In Beth­le­hem, lo! Christ your king,
Laid in a man­ger you shall find.

Refrain

Whilst list­en­ing to the rap­tur­ous song,
New voic­es mingled in the strain,
And sud­den­ly the migh­ty throng,
Caught up the thrill­ing, glad re­frain.

Refrain