Scripture Verse

He that cometh from heaven is above all. John 3:31

Introduction

portrait
Peter H. Stryker
1826–1900

Words: Pe­ter H. Stryk­er, in The New Gol­den Show­er, ed­it­ed by Will­iam Brad­bu­ry (New York: Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry, 1866), num­ber 51, alt.

Music: Kai­ser­slau­tern Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry, 1866 (🔊 pdf nwc) (re­peats last two lines of each verse).

portrait
William B. Bradbury
1816–1868

Lyrics

Sweet carols let us sing;
Rich offerings let us bring
To our Redeemer King,
Who reigns in glory.
From Heav’n to earth He came;
Praise to His holy name!
Let all redeemed from shame
Rehearse the story.

Above angelic lays
Our Christmas hymns we raise;
With heart and voice we praise
The infant Jesus.
The song ascends on high;
It soars above the sky;
And echo gives reply,
From sin He frees us.

For He, the humble born,
In poverty forlorn,
Subject to bitter scorn,
And vile behavior;
The Great and Holy One,
Was God’s anointed Son,
Who by His deeds hath won,
The name of Savior.

Then on this natal day,
Our tribute let us pay,
And in a joyful lay
Unite our voices.
Loud will we raise the song,
Still sweetest strain prolong;
Thy Church, in one vast throng,
O Lord, rejoices.