The star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.
Matthew 2:9
Words: Fronie B. Turner, in The Shining River, edited by Henry S. Perkins & William Perkins (Boston, Massachusetts: Oliver Ditson, 1875), number 21.
Music: Northmoor William O. Perkins, 1875 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Turner or William Perkins (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Once more, with songs of rapture,
We greet this holy day,
And low before our Savior
Our grateful homage pay;
The star of light and glory
With heav’nly radiance shone,
And to the waiting people
The infant Christ made known.
Refrain
Carol, carol, merrily,
Before the newborn King;
Joyful, joyful, in the air,
Our Christmas praises ring.
As on that starlit evening,
Long centuries ago,
The wise men humbly followed,
His resting place to know;
Lo, we in faith receiving
This priceless gift of love,
Like them are pressing forward,
Like them look up above!
Refrain
O sing, ye hosts of Heaven!
Take up the glad refrain!
A king to us is given,
Forevermore to reign;
Rejoice, with songs of gladness,
O all ye sons of men!
And let no fear or sadness
E’er fill your hearts again.
Refrain