1 Lo! descending, the heavens rending, Messengers from God to men; Angels winging, tidings bringing, Christ is born in Bethlehem. Come with gladness, and banish sadness; Children, sweetly tune your voices; Hallelujah! hallelujah! Lift aloud a lofty strain, Bradbury Trio, p. 246. 2 Dearest Saviour, grant thy favor While in these thy courts we stay; Thy rich blessing on us resting On this happy festive day: Bells are ringing, and birds are singing, Woods and fields their tribute bringing, Back the hills the echoes flinging. Let our voices swell the chorus In a grateful song of praise; Joyful come before Him now, Humbly in His presence bow; Now to him our tribute bring, Lord of lords and King of kings. Praise Him, praise Him, Ye grateful children, praise! Praise Him, praise Him, Ye grateful children, praise! Hosanna, hosanna! 28 Songs of Salvation, Ring, merry bells; ring, merry bells; 2 See the desert robed in beauty, Breathes again its sweet perfume.-Ring, merry bells, &c. 3 Loud hosannas hail His coming, Festive garlands crown His birth, Trumpet tongues report the story, Peace, good-will to all the earth.-Ring, merry bells, &c. 4 Son of David, Prince of Glory, Born to set thy people free; Reign forever, King eternal! All the world is blest in thee.-Ring, merry bells, &c. 1 Carol, sweetly carol, Carol, sweetly Carol. A Saviour born to-day: Bear the joyful tidings, Oh, bear them far away; Carol, sweetly carol, Till earth's remotest bound Shall hear the mighty chorus, And echo back the sound. Cho.-Carol, sweetly carol, Carol sweetly to-day; 2 Carol, sweetly carol, As when the angel throng O'er the vales of Judah Awoke the heavenly song: Songs of Salvation, Carol, sweetly carol, To God who reigns above! 3 Carol, sweetly carol, The happy Christmas time; Ye shining ones above; Carol, sweetly carol, &c. 29 30 Star, Beautiful Star. 1 There's a beautiful star, a beautiful star, Songs of Salvation, p. 133. Till it stood o'er the place where the young Child lay. Chorus.-Star, star, beautiful star! Pilgrims weary we are; To Jesus, to Jesus, We follow thee from afar. In the land of the East, in the shadows of night, We saw the glory of thy new light, Telling us, in our distant home, The King-Redeemer to earth had come! Star, star, &c. 3 We have gold for tribute and gifts for prayer, All that we have we hither bring, |