1 Night’s canopy over Judea now hung;
The harp of the minstrel lay still and unstrung;
The shepherds together sat watching the fold,
While round them reigned darkness and silence and cold.

2 And now, in their midst, shines an angel of light—
Quick vanishes fear at the radiant sight!
And hark, in the words of their own native tongue,
"Good tidings of joy" by the angel are sung!

3 "This day, in the city of David is born
A Savior, whose birth is redemption’s glad morn;
No longer through darkness and doubt shall ye grope,
In Bethlehem’s manger lies Israel’s hope!"

4 A chorus angelic re-echoes in Heav’n
The glorious news to the meek shepherds giv’n—
"Peace, peace and good will unto earth!" is their song,
While praises to God the long pæn prolong.