Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
Words: William H. Neilson, Jr., Gathered Leaves of Sunday School Song (New York & Chicago, Illinois: Biglow & Main, 1882), pages 15–16 & 161.
Music: Lewis H. Redner (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a better photo of Neilson,
Hail! blessèd Christmas day,
When angels bright, who came by night,
Once sang this joyful lay,
Glory to God, and peace on earth,
at Jesus’ birth;
Goodwill to men
Then sing aloud the glad refrain:
Hail! blessèd Christmas, back again!
Hail! blessèd Christmas, back again!
Hail! happy Christmas day,
Children, rejoice, with heart and voice—
Chase all sad thoughts away.
Jesus was born your souls to bless,
To cleanse them from unrighteousness.
Then sing aloud the glad refrain:
Hail! happy Christmas, back again!
Hail! happy Christmas, back again!
Hail! merry Christmas day!
The loaded tree, bright let it be
With toys and candle ray;
Amidst these gifts, remember too,
The precious gift God gave to you.
Then sing aloud the glad refrain,
Hail! merry Christmas, back again!
Hail! merry Christmas, back again!
Hail! holy Christmas day!
Devoutly raise your grateful lays;
With reverent spirit pray
That God would make each little one
A follower of His own dear Son.
Then all prolong the glad refrain:
Hail! holy Christmas, back again!
Hail! holy Christmas, back again!