'Shepherds, rejoice, lift up your eyes,

And send your fears away;

News from the region of the skies!--

Salvation's born to-day.

'JESUS, the 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 straight around

The heavenly armies throng;

They tune their harps to lofty sound,

And thus conclude the song:

'Glory to GOD that reigns above,

Let peace surround the Earth;

Mortals shall know their Maker's love,

At their Redeemer's birth.'

LORD! and shall 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 that reigns above,

That pitied us forlorn!

We join to sing our Maker's love--

For there's a Saviour born.