Hark! what mean those holy voices

Sweetly sounding through the skies?

Lo! th'angelic host rejoices,

Heavenly alleluias rise.

Listen to the wondrous story,

Which they chant in hymns of joy--

"Glory in the highest, glory!

Glory be to God most high!

"Peace on earth, good-will from heaven,

Reaching far as man is found;

Souls redeemed and sins forgiven,

Loud our golden harps shall sound.

"Christ is born, the great Anointed!

Heaven and earth his praises sing!

O receive whom God appointed

For your Prophet, Priest, and King!

"Hasten, mortals, to adore him;

Learn his name to magnify,

Till in heaven ye sing before him,

Glory be to God most high!"