For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Words: Eden R. Latta, in Green Pastures for the Lambs, by Alonzo Abbey & Merritt J. Munger (Cleveland, Ohio: S. Brainard’s Sons, 1886), number 50.
Music: Alonzo J. Abbey (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Abbey (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Hear the crystal intonations of the bells,
Christmas bells,
As their tones float on the air.
It is of the merry Christmas that they tell,
That they tell,
And the message unto all they bear,
They are calling unto us,
Let us listen unto them,
They are telling of the Child
That was born in Bethlehem!
Refrain
Hear the merry, merry voices of the Christmas bells,
Christmas bells, Christmas bells;
Hear the merry, merry voices of the Christmas bells,
Oh, what joy their music tells.
Hear the silvery re-echoes of the bells,
Christmas bells,
Not a strain of beauty lose;
Hear the tidings of redemption and of love,
And of love,
And be grateful for the blessèd news,
Tidings of the richest gift,
Ever made since time began,
Telling how the Son of God,
Came to die for sinful man!
Refrain
Hear the gay reverberations of the bells,
Christmas bells,
And the beauty of their strain;
But remember in your mirthfulness of heart,
Of heart,
Our Redeemer’s silent grief and pain;
He was born the lost to save,
Born to wash their sins away,
That is why we cherish so,
Each returning Christmas day!
Refrain