Grand Haven Daily Tribune  December 24, 1896

Christmas Song.

—

BY DAVID FLETCHER HUNTON.

—

[Air:  “Marching Through Georgia.”]

This is the anniversary. Of that propitious morn,

When angels to the Shepherds sung, with golden harp and horn:

“Behold, we bring good tidings now, for Christ the Lord is born,”

“Glory to God in the highest.”

CHORUS,

“Rejoice!  Rejoice!”  The blessed heralds sing:

“Rejoice!  Rejoice!”  And hear the news they bring!

“This day is born in Bethlehem, a Savior and a King,”

“Glory to God in the highest!”

‘Twas winter ‘neath Judea’s sky, and snow was on the ground,

The stars were looking on the scene, and glory shone around,

When o’er the manger-cradled Babe, was heard the joyful sound,

“Glory to God in the highest!”

CHORUS,

The midnight left her sable throne, to look upon the sight!

The silver moon stood still, and gazed upon the Prince of Light!

Even the wind forgot to blow, but murmured with delight,

“Glory to God in the highest!”

CHORUS,

The wise men from the Orient, were first the Babe to greet,

And brought forth from Edom gifts of gold, and laid them at his feet;

They worshipped him in swaddling clothes, and sung the chorus sweet,

“Glory to God in the highest!”

CHORUS,

The Sun, in wonder hid his face, behind the desert plain,

Because a fairer Son had come, who would forever reign,

But soon he climbed the eastern sky, and joined the glad refrain,

“Glory to God in the highest!”

CHORUS.

The Shepherds left their feeding flocks, and hastened on the way,

To find within a stable low, where cattle feed on hay,

The blessed Babe of Bethlehem, which in a manger lay!

“Glory to God in the highest!”

CHORUS,

Now let us sing with merry hearts, a glad and happy song,

And sing it as the angels did, with voices full and strong;

“Peace on the earth—good will to men’—Oh1 let it float along,

“Glory to God in the highest!”

CHORUS,

Ring out the Merry Christmas Bells!  And let us all be gay!

For when the Son of God was born, on earth’s first Christmas day,

The angels to the Shepherds sung this joyous happy lay,

“Glory to God in the highest!”

CHORUS.

GRAND HAVEN, MICH.

DEC. 23D, A. D. 1896