How Blest Were They On Bethlehem's Plain

Words: Mrs. Bodley

Music: Arranged by Mr. Herbert Stephen Irons
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Source: Rev. Richard R. Chope, Carols For Use In Church (London: William Clowes & Sons, Complete Edition, 1894), Carol #89

1. How blest were they on Bethlehem's plain,
Beneath the midnight sky,
Who heard the angel's joyful strain,
    Who heard the angel's joyful strain,
And felt that heaven was nigh,
    That heaven was nigh.

2. "Fear not, for on this holy morn
Good news to all I bring,
    In Bethlehem's lowly shrine is born
In Bethlehem's lowly shrine is born
Jesus, the infant King.
    Jesus, the infant King.

3. Then suddenly a heavenly band
Join in the angel's song,
While rock and hill through Judah's land
    While rock and hill through Judah's land
The notes of praise prolong.
    The notes of praise prolong.

4. And thus the joyful chorus ran --
"Glory to God be given!
For peace on earth, good will to man,"
    For peace on earth, good will to man,"
Descend of him from heaven.
    Descend of him from heaven.

5. Glad tidings! nor on Bethlehem's plain
Alone that song was sweet;
Lo! millions hail with joy the strain,
    Lo! millions hail with joy the strain,
And seek the Saviour's feet.
    And seek the Saviour's feet.

6. And still to millions yet unborn
Shall sound from shore to shore
The song, which waked that holy morn
    The song, which waked that holy morn
Till time shall be no more!
    Till time shall be no more!

Sheet Music from Chope

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