Published as a hymn in 1886:
Hark! 'tis the song of Angels!
How sweet the heav'nly strains!
With joy the shepherds listen,
On wide Judea's plains.
The blissful music ringing,
Awakes each hill and glen;
“To God be highest glory,
Peace and good will to men.”
chorus:
Angels in yon world of glory,
Shout aloud the wond'rous story,
“Now to God be all the glory,”
“Peace and goodwill to man.”
Good will! E'en man's salvation,
Has come to earth this day,
Hail ye, the infant Jesus!
Hail ye the Christ child sway,
Fear not: tho' cradled lowly,
The Son of Mary now,
To Him, “desire of Nations,”
Shall ev'ry creature bow.
The shepherds, looking eastward,
See the bright guiding star,
The “wise men” note its meaning,
And follow from afar,
O star! best light that ever,
Shone o'er our darken'd earth,
Thy sacred beams revealing
The place of Jesus' birth.
Let's enter with them kneeling,
Low at that manger shrine,
And our glad homage render,
To Christ, the child divine,
Hail Him, our new born Savior,
Who brings our souls release:
Hail to the world's Redeemer!
We hail Thee, Prince of Peace.
Published as a Christmas poem in 1884:
Hark! 'tis the song of angels,
How sweet the heavenly strains
With joy the shepherds listen
On old Judea's plains.
The blissful tidings ringing,
Wake up each hill and glen;
“To God be highest glory,
Peace and goodwill to men.”
Come bow In adoration,
At Bethlehem's lowly shrine,
And our glad homage render
To the Christ-child divine;
Who laid aside His glory,
Who left His throne above,
Moved by divine compassion,
Led by redeeming love.
Then Join the angels' chorus,
Proclaim the Saviour's birth,
Glory to God for ever!
Jesus has oome to earth.
Lay your best gifts before Him,
Tour heart's devotion bring;
Hail Him with hallelujahs,
Our Saviour, and our King.
