1 O joy of earth! A Savior’s birth
To fallen man is granted;
The song of love is sung above,
And shepherds hear it chanted.

2 Their wakeful eyes with glad surprise
See white-robed angels shining;
The ravished ear a song can hear,
All melody combining:

3 "Be glory given in highest Heaven,
To God through years unending;
On earth may peace and love increase
God will to men descending."

4 In haste they seek that Infant meek,
Whose cradle is a manger,
And at His feet with homage meet
They hail the Heaven-born stranger.

5 And we with them in Bethlehem
Will seek the Lord of glory,
Will sing His praise through endless days
And tell His wondrous story.

6 Sweet Babe, so frail! The thorn, the nail
Shall cause Thee bitter sorrow;
But soon Thy night shall end in light,
And bring an Easter morrow.

7 Thy star divine shall ever shine
To guide the pilgrim stranger;
While faith shall own Thy love alone,
And worship at Thy manger!