Good tidings of great joy.
Luke 2:10
Words: Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795). Published posthumously in Hymns Adapted to Public Worship (London: Burton & Briggs, 1818), number 695. Tidings of Salvation.
Music: Cornwall Samuel S. Wesley, The European Psalmist, 1872, number 441 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Beddome (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
To us the joyful news is brought,
Both unexpected and unsought,
Of mercy rich and free;
Jesus awhile forsakes His throne,
And for our lives resigns His own,
Upon the bloody tree.
For us He lived, for us He died,
By Him was justice satisfied,
The law no longer frowns;
Now pardon, peace through Him are giv’n,
A door is opened into Heav’n
To scepters and to crowns.
Then let the Gospel trumpet blow,
Till distant lands the Savior know,
And own His power divine;
Nations unborn learn to adore,
His sovereign grace and conquering power,
And in one concert join.