[Verse 1] In the days when Caesar’s word was law, All the world was counted, great and small; Joseph walked from Nazareth by night, Down to David’s town by starry light. With his promised bride, young Mary, mild, Heavy with a holy, hidden Child; Every inn was crowded, every door was closed, So they laid Him where the cattle dozed. [Chorus] “Do not be afraid,” the angel said that night, “Behold, I bring good tidings, a burst of joyful light; For there is born to you this day in David’s town, A Savior, Christ the Lord, with heaven’s glory crowned. Good news for every people, for every longing heart, Great joy to all the nations, no one is kept apart.” [Verse 2] Shepherds watched their flocks upon the hill, When the night grew bright and strangely still; Glory wrapped the darkness like a flame, As an angel called them each by name. “This will be the sign,” they heard him say, “Not a throne or crown in grand array; You will find a Babe in swaddling bound, In a manger on the edge of town.” [Chorus] “Do not be afraid,” the angel said that night, “Behold, I bring good tidings, a burst of joyful light; For there is born to you this day in David’s town, A Savior, Christ the Lord, with heaven’s glory crowned. Good news for every people, for every longing heart, Great joy to all the nations, no one is kept apart.” [Verse 3] Heaven’s host then filled the midnight sky, “Singing glory to our God on high; Peace on earth, goodwill to all,” their song, Fading as they turned to heaven’s throng. “Let us go to Bethlehem,” they cried, And they found the Child at Mary’s side; They told all they’d heard, and hearts were stirred awake, While Mary kept it all for Jesus’ sake. [Tag] Like the shepherds we return, yet never as before, Praising God for all we’ve seen in Christ our newborn Lord.
