Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Words: Lanta W. Smith, 1883. Appeared in Jewels of Praise, edited by Asa Hull (New York: Daniel W. Knowles, 1884), page 149.
If you know where to get a good photo of Smith (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Hull
Ring with joy and gladness
The merry Christmas bell;
Let its tuneful echo
The sacred story tell!
How the lonely shepherds,
Upon the hills at night,
Heard the angel message,
And saw the holy light.
Ring, O ring with gladness,
Ye merry Christmas bells!
For we love the story
Thy joyous music tells!
Refrain
Ring, O ring with gladness,
Ye merry Christmas bells!
Ring, O ring, with gladness,
Ye merry Christmas bells!
Ye merry Christmas bells!
Ye merry Christmas bells!
Christmas bells! Christmas bells!
Ring the bells with gladness,
But ring them softly now;
See the wondering Magi
Before the manger bow;
Where the King of Glory,
The Dayspring from the skies,
Christ, the blessèd Savior,
A helpless infant lies.
Ring, O ring with gladness,
Ye merry Christmas bells!
For we love the story
Thy joyous music tells!
Refrain
Ring the bells with gladness,
For Jesus came to save;
He for guilty sinners
The ransom freely gave;
On this merry Christmas,
While joyfully we sing;
As a humble tribute,
Our hearts to Him we bring.
Ring, O ring with gladness,
Ye merry Christmas bells!
For we love the story
Thy joyous music tells!
Refrain