On Christmas Day

Hail auspicious Day, whose Dawn gave Birth, To him who conquer'd Death and Hell; Welcome bless'd Morn, that brought a God to Earth, A God with sinful Dust to dwell. And thou Refulgent Star, whose glorious Ray, Did'st usher in the Sun of Peace, And gave the Glimpses of Eternal Day, To Adam's dark and wandering Race. When the bright Host inspir'd with holy Zeal, Did the sweet Heav'nly Message bring; And to the simple Shepherds did reveal, The new born Prophet, Priest and King. He equal to the all-tremenduous Name, Assum'd the Form of sinful Man; Vail'd in the Vesture of our humane Frame, His Work of peerless Love began. He who rules the Stars, the copious Globe and Hell; To whom the Seraphs sing above; For us did in a sordid Manger dwell; O! Mirrour of Almighty Love, In holy Raptures let our Souls arise; No earthly Clogs our Flight delay; And with the Altar's hallow'd Sacrifice, Adore the Author of this Day.