Scripture Verse

Unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given. Isaiah 9:6

Introduction

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James Montgomery
1771–1854
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: James Mont­gom­e­ry (1771–1854). First ap­peared in A Se­lec­tion of Psalms and Hymns, 8th ed­i­tion, by Tho­mas Cot­ter­ill, 1819.

Music: Al­ces­ter Sam­u­el S. Wes­ley, in A Se­lec­tion of Psalms and Hymns, by Charles Kem­ble (Lond­on: John F. Shaw, 1864), num­ber 35 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Malin Bridge tra­di­tion­al Eng­lish tune. Ap­peared in The Plough Inn Ca­rol Book, au­thor and pub­lish­er un­known, for­ward by Ste­phen Brear­ley and Ruth Sims, dat­ed 20th Cen­tu­ry or ear­li­er (🔊 pdf nwc)
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Samuel S. Wesley
1810–1876

Lyrics

Bright and joyful is the morn,
For to us a Child is born;
From the highest realms of Heav’n,
Unto us a Son is giv’n.

On His shoulder He shall bear
Power and majesty, and wear
On His vesture and His thigh,
Names most awful, names most high.

Wonderful in counsel He,
The incarnate Deity;
Sire of ages, ne’er to cease,
King of kings, and Prince of peace.

Come and worship at His feet;
Yield to Christ the homage meet;
From His manger to His throne,
Homage due to God alone.