Angels Appearing to the Shepherds.
Fair and mild the stars were shining
O’er Judea’s purple sky,
And the moon with silver lustre
Sweetly gleaming from on high.
Night-winds o’er the dewy verdure
An Æolian music made,
Where a band of watchful shepherds
Lay beneath a palm tree’s shade.
They, on sacred themes conversing,
Peacefully beguiled the hours;
Thought on each prophetic promise,
Calmly dwelt as dew on flowers.
They were men devout and holy,
Walking wisdom’s pleasant road;
Men who waited for salvation,
Firmly trusting Israel’s God.
Lo, what light! Is day arising
On the mid-watch of the night?
Richest splendours now are shining
More than noonday glory bright!
In the midst, a radiant angel,
Through that fulgent grandeur springs,
And in tones of love and mercy
Sweetly to the shepherds sings—
“Fear ye not! Behold I bring you
Tidings full of peace and joy;
Unto you is born a Saviour,
Who shall sin and death destroy.
“He, a babe, in David’s city,
In a manger now is laid,
Yet he is the Lord, the Mighty;
Christ to you salvation made.”
Now the glorious band, surrounding
That bright angel, lift their voice,
Mixed with sounds from harp and trumpet,
And in anthems loud rejoice.
“Glory to our God, the Highest,
Praise eternal sing again,
For this message of His mercy—
‘Peace on earth, good-will to men.’”