Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
Words: William Ford, in Songs of Gratitude, edited by James H. Fillmore (Cincinnati, Ohio: Fillmore Brothers, 1877), number 129, alt.
Music: James H. Rosecrans (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Ford (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Christmas comes! Join to say
Happy voices Speed the day!
Once at Bethlehem an angel
Loud proclaimed the glad evangel,
Peace on earth, good will from Heaven!
Christ, the Lord, is born today!
Suddenly, burst to sight
Shining hosts, all clothed in light;
Chanting high the wondrous story,
Glory in the highest—glory!
Peace on earth, good will from Heaven,
Christ, the Lord, is born today!
David’s town, honored long,
See the lowly shepherds throng,
View with wondering eyes the Stranger,
Reverent bow beside His manger,
Breathing forth good will from Heaven,
Christ, the Lord, is born today!
In the east, lo! His star,
Guiding magi from afar:
Where is He, the long appointed,
King of nations, God’s Anointed,
Bringing peace, good will from Heaven?
Christ, the Lord, is born today!
Joy divine—how it spread!
Stirred up empires, woke the dead.
Down thro’ all the ages streaming,
Love and hope and gladness beaming,
Sing we still, Good news from Heaven!
Christ, the Lord, is born today!