Scripture Verse

There were…shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Ma­bel J. Ro­se­mon & Grant C. Tul­lar (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know when this song was writ­ten, or where to get a good pho­to of Ro­se­mon (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Grant C. Tullar (1869–1950)

Lyrics

Over Bethl’em’s hillside beamed a glo­ri­ous star,
With its radiant beauty all so fair
Led the wondrous wise men to the manger bed,
Where the King of kings was cradled there.

Refrain

Waiting shepherds with their flocks at midnight
Saw the radiance flooding o’er the earth,
Heard the heav’nly hosts in chorus singing
Blessèd news of Christ the Sav­ior’s birth.
Earth responded to that heav’nly message,
Peace on earth, goodwill, goodwill to men;
In exultant strain the chorus ended;
O that earth might hear that song again!

On that night the angel bands with loud acclaim
Brought the earth the words of joy and peace,
Telling of the Sav­ior who to earth came down
And His love that ne­ver more shall cease.

Refrain

Blessèd happy tidings to the world pro­claim:
Christ the King eter­nal comes today;
Comes to earth so lowly as a little child,
In our hearts in peace and love to stay.

Refrain

Peace on earth, good-will to men the angels sang
On that Christ­mas night so long ago,
When the holy babe was born in Bethlehem
That the world God’s matchless love might know.

Refrain