Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:10
Words: Anonymous, in Glory and Praise, edited by James R. Rosecrans & James H. Fillmore (Cincinnati, Ohio: Fillmore Brothers, 1887), page 130.
Music: Frederick A. Fillmore, 1887 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know the author, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
’Tis merry, merry Christmas time,
It comes again with sweetest chime;
The crystal bells, they ring so free,
Our hearts are thrilled with melody.
Refrain
’Tis merry, merry, merry, merry
Christmas time,
’Tis merry, merry, merry, merry
Christmas time,
It comes again with sweetest chime,
The Christmas chine.
Ring out, O stars, the sweet refrain,
Ye angel choirs repeat again
The song of peace o’er all the earth,
The tidings of the Savior’s birth.
Refrain
Sing we the song—the anthem raise,
With angel choirs His name to praise;
He brings the world goodwill and peace,
And bids our strife forever cease.
Refrain