Calm on the listening ear of night Come heaven's melodious strains, Where wild Judea stretches far Her silver-mantled plains. | Celestial choirs from courts above Shed sacred glories there; And angels, with their sparkling lyres, Make music on the air. | The answering hills of Palestine Send back the glad reply; And greet, from all their holy heights, The Dayspring from on high. | O'er the blue depths of Galilee There comes a holier calm, And Sharon waves, in solemn praise, Her silent groves of palm. | "Glory to God!" the sounding skies Loud with their anthems ring, "Peace to the earth, good will to men, From heaven's eternal King!" | Light on thy hills, Jerusalem! The Savior now is born: More bright on Bethlehem's joyous plains Breaks the first Christmas morn. | |