While their flocks the shepherds tended,
Heavenly hosts to earth descended,
Singing, with all voices blended,
“Fear not, Christ is born today.”
Eastern seers rich gifts had wrought Him,
Gold, frankincense, myrrh they brought Him;
Guided by a star they sought Him,
Prince of Life and Victory.
On that Child with Mary gazing,
Join ye Christians all in raising
Songs to Him whom Heaven is praising,
God incarnate come to men.
From this day’s first dawn to even,
Praise to Christ our King be given
By all earth, and all in Heaven,
In our sweetest, loftiest praise.