Behold the grace appears

the lord, the highest god,

calls him his only son;

he bids him rule the lands abroad,

and gives him david’s throne.

o’er jacob shall he reign

with a peculiar sway;

the nations shall his grace obtain,

his kingdom ne’er decay.

to bring the glorious news

a heav’nly form appears;

he tells the shepherds of their joys,

and banishes their fears.

“go, humble swains,” said he,

“to david’s city fly;

the promised infant born today

doth in a manger lie.”

“with looks and hearts serene,

go visit christ your king;

and straight a flaming troop was seen:

the shepherds heard them sing:

“glory to god on high!

and heav’nly peace on earth;

goodwill to men, to angels joy,

at the redeemer’s birth!”

in worship so divine,

let saints employ their tongues;

with the celestial hosts we join,

and loud repeat their songs:

“glory to god on high!

and heav’nly peace on earth;

goodwill to men, to angels joy,

at our redeemer’s birth!”