3. See the shepherd quickly rising, Hast'ning to the humble stall, And the newborn Infant prizing, As the mighty Lord of all; Lowly now they bend before Him In His helpless infant state, Firmly faithful, they adore Him, And His greatness celebrate.
4. Hark! The swell of heav'nly voices Peals along the vaulted sky; Angels sing while earth rejoices "Glory to our God on high; Glory in the highest heaven, Peace to humble men on earth;" Joy to these and bliss is given In the great Redeemer's birth.
Sister M. B. from "Alte Katholische geistliche Kirchengesang" (Koln, 1599)
* Catholic melody incorrectly attributed to M. Praetorius
1. O sing a joyful carol Unto the holy Child, And praise with gladsome voices His Mother undefiled. Our gladsome voices greeting Shall hail our Infant King And our sweet Lady listens When joyful voices sing.
2. Who is there meekly lying In yonder stable poor? Dear children, it is Jesus; He bids you now adore. Who is there kneeling by Him In Virgin beauty fair? It is our Mother Mary, She bids you all draw near.
3. Who is there near the cradle, That guards the holy Child? It is our father Joseph Chaste spouse of Mary mild. Dear children, oh, how joyful With them in Heav'n to be! God grant that none be missing From that festivity.
1. Silent night, holy night! Bethlehem sleeps yet what light Floats around the holy pair; Songs of Angels fill the air Strains of heavenly peace, Strains of heavenly peace.
2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds first see the light, Hear the Alleluias ring Which the Angel chorus sing "Christ the Savior has come Christ the Savior has come!"
3. Silent night, holy night! Son of God! Oh, what light Radiates from Thy manger bed Over realms with darkness spread, Thou in Bethlehem born, Thou in Bethlehem born.
A Virgin most pure, as the Prophets did tell Ancient Carol
Traditional Melody Arr. by N. A. M. Slowly
1. A Virgin most pure, as the Prophets did tell, Hath brought forth a Saviour, as it hath befell, To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin, Which Adam's transgression had wrapped us in.
Chorus Rejoice and be merry, Set sorrow aside Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
2. In Bethlehem city in Jewry it was, Where Joseph and Mary together did pass, And there to be taxed with many one more. For Caesar commanded the same should be so.