Scripture Verse

Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10

Introduction

Words: Amy S. Woods, in Ho­san­na for the Sun­day School, ed­it­ed by Al­fred T. Schauff­ler (New York: Cen­tu­ry Com­pa­ny, 1898), num­ber 108.

Music: Ca­leb Sim­per (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Woods (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els), or a bet­ter one of Simp­er,

portrait
Caleb Simper
1856–1942

Lyrics

Ring out, O bells, in gladness!
For Christ the Lord is born;
Far banish earthly sadness
On this His birthday morn.
Approach, ye faithful people,
Unto His manger shrine,
Where lies the infant Sav­ior,
True God, and Man divine.

Refrain

Ring out, O bells!
Ring, triumphant ring!
This is the birthday of our king;
O bells, triumphant ring!
Ring out, O bells!
O bells, triumphant ring!
Ring out, O bells!
Ring, triumphant ring!

Bear, O ye winds, the story,
And tell it far and near;
Our Day-star now has ris­en,
The wintry world to cheer.
To those who sit in darkness
His glo­ri­ous light has come,
To guide them through life’s shadows
Up to their Fa­ther’s home.

Refrain

To wakeful shepherds watching,
The news was told last night,
By glo­ri­ous angels winging
To earth their joyful flight.
They sang in sweetest numbers
The song we sing this morn—
To you in David’s city,
A Sav­ior—Christ—is born!

Refrain

All glo­ry in the highest!
And on the earth be peace;
Loud swells the Christ­mas anthem,
Which nevermore shall cease.
For Hea­ven and earth this morning
Are joined in love divine,
By Him who in a stable
Is born of David’s line.

Refrain