"The First Christmas (A Hymn)" by Rev. Joseph C. Booth (1915)

The First Christmas.

(A Hymn.) Tune: "Truro."

BY (REV.) JOSEPH C. BOOTH.

'T was Christmas-Eve and all was still;

        The wakeful shepherds watched their sheep;

While darkness hung o'er plain and hill

        The peaceful earth lay fast asleep!

But Lo! the "Angel of the Lord"

        Unto the faithful shepherds came,

God's "Joyful Tidings" to record;

        Salvation to the world proclaim.

The "Glory of the Lord" around

        The startled, watchful shepherds blazed;

With sudden fear and awe profound

        Their rustic minds and hearts were dazed!

"Fear not," the Angel said: "Behold!

        To you, and all mankind, I bring

Good tidings of great joy;" foretold

        By Seers—"this day is born your King!"

"In David's city you shall see

        Within a manger—mark the sign:

A Babe in swaddling clothes,"—'t is He:

        "A Saviour—Christ the Lord"—Divine!

Swift, with the "Herald-Angel," came

        From God a great Angelic Throng;

Praising Jehovah's Holy Name,

        And singing this Seraphic Song:

"Glory to God in the highest Heaven,"

        For Christ the Saviour's Royal birth;

"And Peace on earth"—the Gospel leaven;

        "Goodwill to men" o'er all the earth!

Troy Times. December 24, 1915: 13 col 1.

                                                                                                Christopher K. Philippo