Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:10
Words: Mary M. Dodge, in The Sunday School Hymnal, edited by Edwin P. Parker (New York & Chicago, Illinois: A. S. Barnes, 1880), number 157.
Music: Frances J. Hatton, 1884 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Hatton (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Good news on Christmas morning,
Good news, O children dear!
For Christ once born in Bethlehem,
Is living now and here!
Good news on Christmas morning,
Good news, O children sweet!
The way to find the Holy Child
Is lighted for your feet.
Good news on Christmas morning,
Good news, O children glad!
Rare gifts are yours to give the Lord
As ever wise men had.
Good news on Christmas morning,
Good news, O children fair!
Still doth the one good Shepherd hold
The feeblest in His care.
Thank God on Christmas morning,
Thank God, O children dear!
That Christ who came to Bethlehem,
Is living now, and here.