Oh Solemn Hour! When Hearts Were Lowly Bending

For Christmas

Words: Anonymous

Tune: A. Adam, "Cantique de Noel"
This tune was originally written for Cantique de Noël by Placide Cappeau, which inspired O Holy Night

Source: J. P. McCaskey, ed., Franklin Square Song Collection, #5. (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1888), p. 133.

1. Oh solemn hour! when hearts were lowly bending
And all the world seem'd enshrouded in night;
When pleading prayers to Heaven were ascending,
Above the gloom smiled a spirit of light;
'Twas Hope's bright form they saw so brightly shining
In robes unfading greet their tearful eyes;
Beautiful Hope! no longer hearts repining,
As love and joy on wings of faith arise,
As love and joy on wings of faith arise.

2. Oh, lovely hour! when light first faintly gleaming.
And hearts were fill'd with a rapture divine;
Led by the star whose rays were brightly beaming,
Came eastern sages round that holy shrine;
While there they saw the King of Glory sleeping,
Our Friend, Protector, in a manger laid;
Their hearts were glad, and sad eyes ceased their weeping,
For Faith was twining wreaths that never fade,
For Faith was twining wreaths that never fade.

3. Oh, what delight! to hearts bowed down with sorrow,
When cheering words o'er our sad spirits fail;
Tho' dark the night, still comes a bright tomorrow,
When trusting hearts on their dear Saviour call;
Then let each voice in grateful notes ascending,
Extol His name, the bond, the slave, the free,
All shout His praise, in love and concord blending,
In songs of faith and immortality!
In songs of faith and immortality!

Sheet Music from J. P. McCaskey, ed., Franklin Square Song Collection, #5. (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1888), p. 133.

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