veiled in darkness judah lay

veiled in darkness judah lay,
waiting for the promised day,
while across the shadowy night
streamed a flood of glorious light,
heav’nly voices chanting then,
“peace on earth, good will to men.”

still the earth in darkness lies.
up from death’s dark vale arise
voices of a world in grief,
prayers of men who seek relief:
now our darkness pierce again,
“peace on earth, good will to men.”

light of light, we humbly pray,
shine upon thy world today;
break the gloom of our dark night,
fill our souls with love and light,
send thy blessèd word again,
“peace on earth, good will to men.”