Hymn CCXXIII. Common Metre. The Nativity of Christ

"Shepherds, rejoice, lift up your eyes, And send your fears away; News from the region of the skies, Salvation's born to day.

"The Son of God, whom angels fear, Comes down to dwell with you, To day he makes his entrance here, But not as monarchs do.

"No gold nor purple swaddling bands, Nor royal shining things; A manger for his cradle stands, And holds the King of Kings.

"Go, shepherds, where the infant lies And see his humble throne; With tears of joy in all your eyes, Go, shepherds, kiss the SON."

Thus Gabriel sang, and strait around The heavenly armies throng, They tune their harps to lofty sound, And thus conclude the song.

"Glory to God, who reigns above, Let peace surround the earth; Mortals shall know their maker's love, At their Redeemer's birth."

Lord, shall the angels have their songs, And men no tunes to raise? O may we lose these useless tongues, When they forget to praise.

Glory to God who reigns above, Who pitied us forlorn; We join to sing our maker's love, For there's a Saviour born.