’Tis Christmas Day

The bells are sweetly chiming,
Their music fills the air;
What message do they bring us
Upon this morning fair?
“’Tis Christmas day!” the glad bells say,

Refrain

“A Savior now is born,
By God’s great love sent from above
To cheer the world forlorn.”
O wondrous birth! let all the earth
Receive the newborn King;
Oh, let us now with sacred vow
Our loyal tribute bring.

What mean these gifts abundant
That on this day we see?
For surely they mean something;
What may their import be?
“’Tis Christmas day!” these tokens say,

Refrain

And why these smiling faces
Around the pretty tree?
What mean these joyous carols?
Pray tell us if you please.
“’Tis Christmas day!” these things all say,

Refrain

Author: Fanny Crosby

Year: 1914

This hymn with its distinctive refrain and style matches the work of Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby, 1820–1915). It was published in one of her late collections around 1914; no other major hymn writer is known to have authored a text with this exact title and opening stanza.