We'll Sing In Spite of Scorn

Alternate Title: Oh, 'Tis a Lofty Theme

For Christmas

Words: Thomas Kelly, 1806

Music: Lischer

Meter: H.M.

Source: Thomas Kelly, Hymns on Various Passages of Scripture. A New Edition. (London: The Religious Tract Society, 1836), No. 5, p. 5.

HYMN V.

''For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given." Isaiah ix. 6.

1 We'll sing in spite of scorn;
      Our theme is come from Heaven;
   To us a child is born,
      To us a Son is given.
The sweetest news that ever came,
We'll sing, though all the world should blame.

2. The long expected morn
      Has dawned upon the earth;
   The Saviour, Christ, is born,
      And angels sing his birth:
We'll join the bright seraphic throng,
We'll share their joys, and swell their song.

3. O 'tis a lofty theme,
      Supplied by angels' tongues!
   All other objects seem
      Unworthy of our songs.
This sacred theme has boundless charms,
It fills, it captivates, it warms.

4. Now sing of peace divine,
      Of grace to guilty man;
   No wisdom, Lord, but thine
      Could form the wondrous plan:
Where peace and righteousness embrace,
And justice goes along with grace.

5. Give praise to God on high,
      With angels round his throne;
   Give praise to God with joy;
      Give praise to God alone!
"Tis meet his saints their songs should raise
And give their Saviour endless praise.

Note: According to Julian, another hymn was derived from this hymn, beginning with the second verse: “The Long-Expected Morn”. Source: John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, (1892, 1907).

Also found in

• The Book of Christmas Hymns (London: T. Nelson and Sons, 1868), pp. 72-73.

• Roundell Palmer, ed., The Book of Praise. (Boston: Sever, Francis, & Co., 1870), # XXXV, pp. 41-42.

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols