Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Words: From Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern, by Richard Sandys (London: Richard Beckley, 1833), pages 148–49.
Music: Arlington Thomas A. Arne, 1762. Arranged by Ralph Harrison, 1784 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Sandys (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Hail! ever hail! auspicious morn,
The brightest since our fall:
Mortals, exult! the Savior’s born,
O crown him Lord of all!
Down from celestial climes of day
He hastes to tread our ball,
Glory illumines all the way,
O crown Him Lord of all!
Hark! loud hosannahs from the song
The melting airs enthrall,
A Savior angels waft along,
And shout Him Lord of all.
Wrapped in their folded vests of light
They seek the sordid stall,
Gaze with emotions of delight,
And own Him Lord of all.
Shepherds, to you a herald flies,
Obey the early call;
Immanuel in a manger lies,
Go crown Him Lord of all.
He comes, He comes, our world to bless,
To ransom every soul
From shades of endless wretchedness:
O crown Him Lord of all!
The scepter, robe and throne prepare,
Attend, ye great and small,
With acclamations rend the air,
And crown Him Lord of all.