O Happy Morn, O Glad Bright Day

For Christmas

Words: Miss Jessie Chase

Music: Harvey Lemon

Source: Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 37, p. 50.

1. O happy morn, O glad bright day
That tells of a Saviour's birth!
“To God be praise, good-will to men,
And peace o'er all our sinful earth,”
Thus angels sang and sweetly rang
Their song of holy mirth,
Their song of holy mirth.

2. The King of Heaven, the Lord of all,
In love for our sinful race,
Of no repute did make Himself,
But took our form and lowly place.
Was born a child, so weak, so mild,
O wondrous gift of grace!
O wondrous gift of grace!

3. The birthplace mean – a cattle shed,
The cradle – a manger bare,
The mother, poor, village maid;
And none to show them needful care.
More comforts smile on poorest child
Than fell to Jesus' share.
Than fell to Jesus' share.

4. O why did He thus stoop so low?
O why was such meekness shown?
Unequalled love! For you and me
This poor hard lot by Him was known.
He stooped that we might rise to see
The joys around His throne!
The joys around His throne!

5. What tribute can we render then
For this wondrous boundless love?
Just take the gift of life He bought,
And all its power and sweetness prove
Then stoop as He, that we may be
A guide to joys above.
A guide to joys above.

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., Modern Christmas Carols (London: Weekes & Co., 1892), #27:

Note from Pettman: No. XVII.—Care should be taken not to sing this too fast, or make the Bass too pronounced.

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 37, p. 50.

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