The Minstrel of Zion ‎#111

111. Christmas

1 Hail, happy day! when Christ, the Son,
His pilgrimage on earth begun;
This world of ours made his abode,
The dwelling-place of man and God.

2 How happy were the shepherd swains
Who heard the high angelic strains;
And greatly wondering, learnt from them
That Christ was born in Bethlehem.

3 Happy the men, whose heavenward eye
Beheld the star new-lit on high;
And hasted, with unweary feet,
David's immortal son to greet.

4 Oh! happy she, the virgin fair,
Who nursed him with a mother's care;
And, pondering o'er the mystery, press'd
Her son--her Saviour--to her breast.

5 But happier we--himself has shown--
Who see him now by faith alone:
More bless'd are they who keep his word,
Than she who bore and nursed the Lord.

6 Our willing honours then we pay,
To him whose is this festal day;
Before his feet rejoicing fall,
And crown him King and Lord of all.

Text Information

• First Line: Hail, happy day! when Christ, the Son
• Title: Christmas
• Publication Date: 1845

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTMAS
• Composer: S. W.
• Meter: L. M.
• Key: G Major or modal