I The Lord of Life to earth came down,— Come, gaily sound His praises high; O ’twas a day of high renown, While angels praise Him in the sky. | The shepherds saw a wondrous sight, In Bethlehem’s fields at even, When, lo! a star, in radiance bright, Shed o’er the plains its glorious light, And angel bands, harmonious quite, His praises sang from heaven. | II Say, came He forth by myriads led?— Come, gaily sound his praises high; A crown of gold upon his head? While angels praise Him in the sky. Refrain. | III Of earthly pomp the Lord had none,— Come, gaily sound His praises high; His kingly crown had not been won, While angels praise Him in the sky. Refrain. | IV A little child the Lord became,— Come, gaily sound His praises high, To bear our guilt, and share our shame, While angels praise Him in the sky. Refrain. | V O Jesu, Who in manger lay,— Come, gaily sound his praises high, Make me a little child to-day, While angels praise Thee in the sky. Refrain. | VI And may I come, with spirit meet,— Come, gaily sound His praises high, To lay my tribute at Thy feet, While angels praise Thee in the sky. Refrain. | VII To Father, Spirit, One with Christ,— Come, gaily sound His praises high, Be endless praise, Whose love sufficed, While angels praise Him in the sky. Refrain. | |