Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
Words: Alice A. C. Phipps. The first known mention of The Gloria Carols, the pamphlet where this anthem was published, was an article in the The Christian Register, a weekly publication edited by George Batchelor, volume 84, number 46 (Boston, Massachusetts: Christian Register Association, 16 Nov 1905), page 1291. The article stated the pamphlet was for sale by the Unitarian Sunday School Society.
This anthem also appeared in the Sunday School Hymnal, edited by Mrs. L. Weston Attwood (Boston, Massachusetts: Universalist Publishing House, 1912), number 138.
Music: Arthur F. Burnett (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Phipps’ full name, or where to get a good photo of her or Burnett (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Soft the light of early morning,
Fell o’er hills of far Judea,
While ’midst glories of the dawning,
Thrilled thro’ earth—The King is here!
Shepherds gazed in awe and wonder,
Wise men, eager traveled on,
Angel hosts thro’ clouds asunder,
Singing, came, Lo, Christ is born.
Glory to God in the highest.
See! angelic hosts advancing,
Glorious in their bright array;
Light celestial from them glancing,
Where the Babe in manger lay.
Bethl’hem’s Babe in wondrous fashion
Came from Heav’n God’s will to do,
Saves mankind from sin and passion;
Glorious news, forever new.
Glory to God in the highest.
Sing Hosanna in the highest,
Peace on earth, good will to men.
Sing Hosanna in the highest,
Christmas day is come again.
Hail! to Thee, Thou Prince of Peace,
Earth for Thee has waited long,
Since from Heav’n Thou hast release,
Reign, to conquer every wrong.
Glory to God in the highest.