Scripture Verse

The Gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15

Introduction

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Abel Thomas (1807–1880)

Words: Ab­el C. Tho­mas, Hymns for Child­ren and Young Per­sons, Am­eri­can Uni­tar­ian As­so­ci­ation (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts: Lit­tle & Brown, 1854), alt.

Music: Christ­mas George F. Han­del, from the op­era Ci­roë (Cy­rus), 1728. Ar­ranged in Har­mo­nia Sac­ra, 1812 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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George Handel (1685–1759)

Lyrics

Joy to the earth! The Prince of Peace
His ban­ner has un­furled;
Let strife, and sin, and er­ror cease,
And joy per­vade the world,
And joy per­vade the world.

Praise ye the Lord! for truth and grace
His word and life dis­play;
Let ev­ery soul His love em­brace,
And own its gen­tle sway,
And own its gen­tle sway.

Peace on the earth, good will to men,
Embrace the Gos­pel plan;
Let that sweet strain be heard again,
Which an­gel tongues be­gan,
Which an­gel tongues be­gan.

Joy to the isles and lands afar!
Messiah reigns ab­ove;
Let ev­ery eye be­hold the star,
The star of light and love—
The star of light and love.