Lo! the shep­herds, abid­ing in the fields by night,
Many years ago,
Heard the voices of an­gels, saw a won­drous light,
Many years ago;
The wise men of old saw the guid­ing star,
Whose beams from the hea­ven­ly gates ajar
Did lead to the Christ Child in Beth­l’hem afar,
Many years ago.

Refrain

Lead, guid­ing star,
Lead, guid­ing star;
Lead thou me on as in dear Beth­le­hem;
Lead, guid­ing star,
Lead thou me on as in the days of old,
Bright star of Beth­le­hem!

’Twas a beau­ti­ful vi­sion that to man was giv’n,
Many years ago,
And a won­der­ful mes­sage that was sent from Heav’n,
Many years ago;
O beau­ti­ful vi­sion in low­ly stall!
O life-giv­ing mes­sage to great and small—
The peace and good­will, bring­ing glad­ness to all,
Many years ago.

Refrain