1 There was joy in heaven,
There was joy in heaven,
When this goodly world to frame,
God in might and mercy came;
Shouts of joy were heard on high,
And the stars sang from the sky,
And the stars sang from the sky,
"Glory in the heavens!"

2 There was joy in heaven,
There was joy in heaven,
When of love the midnight beam
Shed its mild and gentle gleam;
And along the sloping hill
Angels sang, "On earth good-will,
Angels sang, "On earth good-will,
Glory in the heavens!"

3 There was joy in heaven,
There is joy in heaven,
When the child that went astray
Turns again to virtue's way;
When the soul by love subdued,
Sobs its prayer of gratitude,
Sobs its prayer of gratitude,
There is joy in heaven!