Hymn 3

The nativity of Christ. Luke 1:30ff; 2:10ff Behold, the grace appears! The promise is fulfilled; Mary, the wondrous virgin, bears, And Jesus is the child. [The Lord, the highest God, Calls him his only Son; He bids him rule the lands abroad, And gives him David's throne. O'er Jacob shall he reign With a peculiar sway; The nations shall his grace obtain, His kingdom ne'er decay.] To bring the glorious news A heav'nly form appears; He tells the shepherds of their joys, And banishes their fears. "Go, humble swains," said he, "To David's city fly; The promised infant born to-day Doth in a manger lie." "With looks and hearts serene, Go visit Christ your King; And straight a flaming troop was seen: The shepherds heard them sing: "Glory to God on high! And heav'nly peace on earth; Goodwill to men, to angels joy, At the Redeemer's birth! [In worship so divine, Let saints employ their tongues; With the celestial hosts we join, And loud repeat their songs: "Glory to God on high! And heav'nly peace on earth; Goodwill to men, to angels joy, At our Redeemer's birth!"]