HYMN 3. (S. M.) The Nativity of Christ, Luke i. 30, &c. Luke ii. 10. &c.
I
Behold, the grace appears,
The promise is fulfil'd;
Mary the wondrous virgin bears,
And Jesus is the child.
II
The Lord, the highest God,
Calls him his only Son;
He bids him rule the lands abroad,
And gives him David's throne.
III
O'er Jacob shall he reign
With a peculiar sway;
The nations shall his grace obtain,
His kingdom ne'er decay.
IV
To bring the glorious news
A heavenly form appears;
He tells the shepherds of their joys,
And banishes their fears.
V
‘Go, humble swains,’ said he,
‘To David's city fly;
‘The promis'd infant born to-day
‘Doth in a manger lie.
VI
‘With looks and hearts serene,
‘Go visit Christ your King;’
And straight a flaming troop was seen;
The shepherds heard them sing:
VII
‘Glory to God on high,
‘And heavenly peace on earth,
‘Good-will to men, to angels joy,
‘At the Redeemer's birth!’
VIII
In worship so divine
Let saints employ their tongues,
With the celestial host we join,
And loud repeat their songs:
IX
‘Glory to God on high,
‘And heavenly peace on earth,
‘Good-will to men, to angels joy,
‘At our Redeemer's birth.’
Hymn 4 referred to Psalm 2.
