Scripture Verse

The angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

Introduction

Words: Tra­di­tion­al Eng­lish ca­rol.

Music: Sus­sex ca­rol tra­di­tion­al Eng­lish ca­rol, ar­ranged by Ralph Vaugh­an Will­iams, 1919 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)

Lyrics

On Christ­mas night all Chris­tians sing,
To hear the news the an­gels bring;
On Christ­mas night all Chris­tians sing,
To hear the news the an­gels bring:
News of great joy, news of great mirth,
News of our mer­ci­ful king’s birth.

Then why should men on earth be sad,
Since our Re­deem­er made us glad:
Then why should we on earth be sad,
Since our Re­deem­er made us glad:
When from our sin He set us free,
All for to gain our li­ber­ty.

When sin de­parts be­fore Your grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
When sin de­parts be­fore Your grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
Angels and men with joy may sing,
All for to see the new­born King.

All out of darkness we have light
Which made the an­gels sing this night;
All out of dark­ness we have light
Which made the an­gels sing this night:
Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and for­ev­er­more. Amen.