it came upon the midnight

It came upon the midnight clear,

that glorious song of old,

from angels bending near the earth

to touch their harps of gold:

‘Peace on the earth, goodwill to men

from heaven‟s all-gracious king!’

The world in solemn stillness lay

to hear the angels sing.




With sorrow brought by sin and strife

the world has suffered long,

and, since the angels sang, have passed

two thousand years of wrong;

for man at war with man hears not

the love-song which they bring:

O hush the noise, you men of strife,

and hear the angels sing!




And those whose journey now is hard,

whose hope is burning low,

who tread the rocky path of life

with painful steps and slow:

O listen to the news of love

which makes the heavens ring!

O rest beside the weary road

and hear the angels sing!




And still the days are hastening on -

by prophets seen of old -

towards the fulness of the time

when comes the age foretold:

then earth and heaven renewed shall see

the Prince of Peace, their king;

and all the world repeat the song

which now the angels sing