Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:10–12
Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord (London: William Strahan, 1745), number 1.
Music: Duke Street, attributed to John Hatton, 1793 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Hatton (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Ye simple men of heart sincere,
Shepherds, who watch your flocks by night,
Start not to see an angel near,
Nor tremble at his glorious light.
“A herald from the heavenly King,
I come your every fear to chase;
Good tidings of great joy I bring,
Great joy to all the fallen race.
“To you is born on this glad day,
A Savior by our host adored;
Our God in Bethlehem survey,
Make haste to worship Christ the Lord.
By this the Savior of mankind,
Th’incarnate God shall be displayed;
The Babe ye wrapped in swathes shall find,
And humbly in a manger laid.