There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luke 2:9–10
Words: Mrs. Bodley, in Carols for Use in Church, by Richard R. Chope (London: William Clowes & Sons, 1894), number 89.
Music: Arranged by Herbert S. Irons (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Bodley’s full name, or where to get a good photo of her or Irons (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
How blest were they on Bethlehem’s plain,
Beneath the midnight sky,
Who heard the angel’s joyful strain,
Who heard the angel’s joyful strain,
And felt that Heaven was nigh,
That Heaven was nigh.
Fear not, for on this holy morn
Good news to all I bring;
In Bethlehem’s lowly shrine is born,
In Bethlehem’s lowly shrine is born,
Jesus, the infant King,
The infant King.
Then suddenly a heavenly band
Join in the angel’s song,
While rock and hill through Judah’s land
While rock and hill through Judah’s land
The notes of praise prolong,
Of praise prolong.
And thus the joyful chorus ran—
Glory to God be given!
For peace on earth, goodwill to man,
For peace on earth, goodwill to man,
Descend to him from Heaven,
To him from Heaven.
Glad tidings! nor on Bethlehem’s plain
Alone that song was sweet;
Lo! millions hail with joy the strain,
Lo! millions hail with joy the strain,
And seek the Savior’s feet,
The Savior’s feet.
And still to millions yet unborn
Shall sound from shore to shore
The song, which waked that holy morn,
The song, which waked that holy morn,
Till time shall be no more!
Shall be no more!