God from on high hath heard; Let sighs and sorrows cease; Lo! from the opening Heav’n descends To man the promised Peace. Hark! through the silent night Angelic voices swell; Their joyful songs proclaim that “God Is born on earth to dwell.” See how the shepherd band Speed on with eager feet; Come to the hallowed cave with them The Holy Babe to greet. But, oh, what sight appears Within that lowly door! A manger, stall, and swaddling clothes, A Child and mother poor! Art Thou the Christ? the Son? The Father’s image bright? And see we Him Whose arm upholds Earth and the starry height? Yea, faith can pierce the cloud Which veils Thy glory now; We hail Thee, God, before Whose throne The angels prostrate bow. A silent Teacher, Lord, Thou bidd’st us not refuse To bear what flesh would have us shun, To shun what flesh would choose. Our sinful pride to cure With that pure love of Thine, O be Thou born within our hearts, Most Holy Child divine. |