It came upon the midnight clear
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 menFrom heavens all gracious King!"The world in solemn stillness layTo hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come,With peaceful wings unfurled;And still their heavenly music floatsO'er all the weary world:Above its sad and lowly plainsThey bend on hovering wing,And ever o'er its Babel soundsThe blessed angels sing.
O ye beneath life's crushing load,Whose forms are bending low,Who toil along the climbing wayWith painful steps and slow;Look now, for glad and golden hoursCome swiftly on the wing;Oh rest beside the weary roadAnd hear the angels sing.
For lo! the days are hastening on,By prophets seen of old,When with the ever-circling yearsShall come the time foretold,When the new heaven and earth shall ownThe Prince of Peace, their King,And the whole world send back the songWhich now the angels sing.