I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holy day.
Psalm 42:4
Words: C. T. Bowen, in Carols for Use in Church, by Richard R. Chope (London: William Clowes & Sons, 1894), number 1.
Music: Merry Christmas C. T. Bowen (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know Bowen’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Sing we merry Christmas,
Christmas blithe and free!
Time of holy gladness,
Mirth and minstrelsy.
Hark! the merry church bells
Ringing joyously,
Hailing with sweet music
Christ’s nativity.
Haste we to the temple,
Wreathe our garlands green;
Deck each arch and column
For the festive scene.
Glory in the highest!
Hark the angels sing;
Glory in the highest
To our infant king!
Pastor, choir, and people
Join in concert all;
Sing your loudest praises
At our festival.
Joy for us poor exiles
Comes this happy morn;
Jesus our Emmanuel,
Christ, the Lord, is born!