Scripture Verse

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Introduction

portrait
William H. Bathurst
1796–1877

Words: Will­iam H. Bath­urst, Psalms and Hymns 1831, page 139.

Music: Sam­u­el (Sul­li­van) Ar­thur S. Sul­li­van, 1874 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Millennium, Ply­mouth Col­lect­ion, 1855 (🔊 pdf nwc)
portrait
Arthur S. Sullivan
1842–1900

Lyrics

Hail, brightest, happiest morn,
That ever beamed from Heaven!
To us a child is born,
To us a son is given;
Let every heart its homage bring
In honor to the newborn King.

What wondrous love is this!
The Lord of life appears,
And quits the realms of bliss
For this dark vale of tears;
Consents to tread this cursèd ground,
Where sin and misery abound.

Does not a ransomed earth
The song of triumph raise,
And hail a Savior’s birth
With loudest notes of praise?
Ah, wretched men! too blind to see
The grace that Heaven designs for thee.

Give us an angel’s tongue,
An angel’s willing mind;
And let Thy name be sung,
Great God, by all mankind;
Let the whole earth with one accord
Confess that Jesus is the Lord.