1 Behold, the joyful day is nigh,
And angels’ voices from on high
Proclaim the news in early morn
That the Good Shepherd now is born.
2 In quiet splendor forth He comes,
The scattered sheep and tender lambs
To gather, and their fold prepare
With all a shepherd’s tender care.
3 The gentle Shepherd we behold
Who, not with silver and with gold,
But by His suffering and His death,
Will save us from eternal wrath.
4 His Church, though small its seed may be,
Shall grow into a mighty tree,
With fruitful branches spreading o’er
The earth till time shall be no more.
5 Arise and shine, thy Light is come,
O humankind, O Christendom;
Thy glory and thy peace is here;
The Saviour of the world draws near.
6 All praise and glory be to Thee
For wisdom, power, and majesty;
And for Thy grace and mercy, Lord,
Forever be Thy name adored.
Amen.
Source: The Hymnal and Order of Service #45