The nativity of Christ.
Luke 1:30ff2:10ff

Behold, the grace appears!

The promise is fulfilled;

Mary, the wondrous virgin, bears,

And Jesus is the child.

[The Lord, the highest God,

Calls him his only Son;

He bids him rule the lands abroad,

And gives him David's throne.

O'er Jacob shall he reign

With a peculiar sway;

The nations shall his grace obtain,

His kingdom ne'er decay.]

To bring the glorious news

A heav'nly form appears;

He tells the shepherds of their joys,

And banishes their fears.

|Go, humble swains,| said he,

|To David's city fly;

The promised infant born to-day

Doth in a manger lie.|

|With looks and hearts serene,

Go visit Christ your King;

And straight a flaming troop was seen:

The shepherds heard them sing:

|Glory to God on high!

And heav'nly peace on earth;

Goodwill to men, to angels joy,

At the Redeemer's birth!

[In worship so divine,

Let saints employ their tongues;

With the celestial hosts we join,

And loud repeat their songs:

|Glory to God on high!

And heav'nly peace on earth;

Goodwill to men, to angels joy,

At our Redeemer's birth!|]