Christians, carol sweetly,
Up today and sing!
’Tis the happy birthday
Of our holy king:
Haste we then to greet Him,
Humbly falling down,
While our hands entwine Him,
Dearest Babe, a crown.

Crowds of snow-white angels
Throng the golden stair;
All things are delightful,
All things passing fair;
Bells, clear music making,
Peal the news to earth;
Chimes within make answer,
All is glee and mirth.

Michael, at the manger,
Bows his royal face;
Gabriel, with lily,
Hides transcendent grace:
For, dear friends, the glory
Of that lowly bed
Overpowers the beauty
On archangels shed.

Shall I tell of Joseph,
Who, with rapt surprise,
Sees the light from Godhead
Fill those infant eyes?
Shall I sing of Mary,
Who, upon her breast,
Cradles her creator,
Soothes Him to His rest?

Angels, Mary, Joseph,
Yes, I greet you all!
Falling down in worship
At the manger stall!
For you hail our monarch,
Born a child today;
So with you I worship
And my homage pay.