I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10–11
Words: Anonymous, in A Selection of Carols, Pieces and Anthems (London: W. Kent, circa 1860), page 11.
Music: Arizona Robert H. Earnshaw, in The Book of Praise (Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Oxford University Press, 1918) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Earnshaw (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Arise and sing, dispel your fears,
Tidings of joy salute your ears,
And Heav’n pours forth its sacred light
To dissipate the gloom of night.
See from the highest realms of bliss
Angels descend to publish peace;
Wrapped in the glorious theme, the plains
Resound in their melodious strain.
Lo, the bright sun of righteousness,
Appears the desert world to bless;
May every soul their tribute bring,
And worlds unborn His glory sing.