David's City Dimly Lies

1 David’s city dimly lies
On the hills of Judah,
Darker grow the evening skies,
And the blast blows ruder;
Hasten to the city gate,
Joseph, ere it be too late,
Here and there still shines a light,
Seek a shelter from the night.

2 Silence reigns on hill and lea,
Silent Bethl’em’s fountains,
Silent lies the distant sea,
Under Moab’s mountains;
In the town upon the steep,
Wearied travelers lay asleep,
When the shepherds, from the sky,
Heard the angels’ voices cry.

3 For the silence of the night,
All the heav’ns are ringing,
For the darkness angels bright
Christmas anthems singing:
Never shall the light grow dim,
Never cease that joyous hymn;
Let the ransomed ones reply,
"Glory be to God on high!"

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #12387