Words of December 25 by St. John Damascene (c. 780), translated by George Ratcliffe Woodward. Tune from H. v. Loufenberg's Geistliche Lieder, Ich wollt dasz ich daheime wär (c. 1450), harmonized by Charles Wood.

Source: Charles Wood and George Ratcliffe Woodward, The Cambridge Carol-Book, Being Fifty-Two Songs For Christmas, Easter, And Other Seasons (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1924), #17.

1. In Bethlehem hear I to-day
The Angels chant a merry lay.

2. And 'Glory be to God on high,
That willeth Peace on earth,' they cry.

3. Now doth the Mother-maid enfold
Him whom high heav'n can no-way hold.

4. 'Mid darkness hath the Day-star shined,
Exalting men of humble mind,

5. Who, with the Angels in the sky,
Sing, 'Glory be to God on high!'

Sheet Music