There were…shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.
Luke 2:8–9
Words: John F. Meyer (1772–1848). Translated to English by Milo Mahan (1819–1870). The version below appeared in A New Service and Tune Book for Sunday Schools, edited by Alfred B. Goodrich (New York: General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union & Church Book Society, 1863 & 1866), number 151.
Music: Composer unknown (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know the original language, the composer, or where to get a good picture of him or Meyer (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Wonderful night! Wonderful night!
Angels and shining immortals,
Thronging thine ebony portals,
Fling out their banners of light,
Wonderful, wonderful night!
Wonderful night! Wonderful night!
Dreamed of by prophets and sages!
Manhood redeemed for all ages,
Welcomes thy hallowing might,
Wonderful, wonderful night!
Wonderful night! Wonderful night!
Down o’er the stars to restore us,
Leading His flame-wingèd chorus,
Comes the Eternal to sight—
Wonderful, wonderful night!
Wonderful night! Wonderful night!
Thee did the daystar adorning,
Christen with dew of the morning;
Eve of a day ever bright—
Wonderful, wonderful night!
Wonderful night! Wonderful night!
Sweet be thy rest to the weary,
Making the dull heart and dreary
Laugh in a dream of delight;
Wonderful, wonderful night!
Wonderful night! Wonderful night!
Let me, as long as life lingers,
Sing with the cherubim singers,
Glory to God in the height!
Wonderful, wonderful night!