Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
Words: Anonymous, 14th Century (In natali Domini). Translated from Latin to English by Edward A. Washburn (1819–1881).
Music: In Natali Domini Friedrich Layriz (1808–1859) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Layriz (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), would you ?
On the birthday of the Lord,
Angel choirs, with one accord,
Joyous chant before the throne:
Glory be to God alone!
Refrain
Lo! A virgin bore the Son,
Christ she bore, the Holy One,
Virgin ever undefiled.
Born is our Emmanuel,
Gabriel did the wonder tell;
Prophet eyes afar adored
Him, the sole-begotten Word.
Refrain
Seraphs bring the gladsome tale,
Shepherds sing o’er hill and vale
Of the blessèd Savior’s birth,
Sweetest news for all the earth.
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Hail the day, the happy morn;
Hail the Child of Mary born;
Born of God’s o’ershadowing might,
God of God, and Light of Light.
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See! the wise their gifts unfold,
Incense, myrrh and royal gold;
Kneeling to th’eternal King,
Glory to our God they sing.
Refrain