Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
Words: George S. Holmes, in Bright Gems (York, Pennsylvania: S. B. Ellenberger, 1881), number 9.
Music: Samuel B. Ellenberger (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Holmes’ full name, or where to get a good photo of him or Ellenberger (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
As sang the angels long ago,
While shepherds watched their flocks below;
So sing we now the song again
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Oh, let us then our tongues employ;
Christmas brings the day of joy;
When men with angels join in glee,
To tell of peace while sorrows flee.
Refrain
Merry, merry Christmas sing we then,
Peace on earth, good will to men;
Merry, merry Christmas,
Merry, merry Christmas,
Merry, merry Christmas, over again.
He came—the Savior of mankind,
To raise the dead and lead the blind;
He came—the Prince of Peace, the Friend
Of all, the Life, the Way, the End.
Coming, He the gift bestowed of
Light along the earth’s dark road;
Of comfort here, and home beyond;
Of blissful peace, and love profound.
Refrain