The Lord of Life to earth came down

I
The Lord of Life to earth came down,—
Come, gaily sound His praises high;
O ’twas a day of high renown,
While angels praise Him in the sky.

The shepherds saw a wondrous sight,
In Bethlehem’s fields at even,
When, lo! a star, in radiance bright,
Shed o’er the plains its glorious light,
And angel bands, harmonious quite,
His praises sang from heaven.

II
Say, came He forth by myriads led?—
Come, gaily sound his praises high;
A crown of gold upon his head?
While angels praise Him in the sky.
Refrain.

III
Of earthly pomp the Lord had none,—
Come, gaily sound His praises high;
His kingly crown had not been won,
While angels praise Him in the sky.
Refrain.

IV
A little child the Lord became,—
Come, gaily sound His praises high,
To bear our guilt, and share our shame,
While angels praise Him in the sky.
Refrain.

V
O Jesu, Who in manger lay,—
Come, gaily sound his praises high,
Make me a little child to-day,
While angels praise Thee in the sky.
Refrain.

VI
And may I come, with spirit meet,—
Come, gaily sound His praises high,
To lay my tribute at Thy feet,
While angels praise Thee in the sky.
Refrain.

VII
To Father, Spirit, One with Christ,—
Come, gaily sound His praises high,
Be endless praise, Whose love sufficed,
While angels praise Him in the sky.
Refrain.

Hymns from the East, 1907