It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old



From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold



Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heaven's all gracious king



The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing







Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurl



And still their heavenly music floats, O'er all the weary world.



Above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing



And ever o'er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing







O ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low



Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow



Look now for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing



O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing







For lo the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old



When with the ever circling years shall come the time foretold



When the new heaven and earth shall own the prince of peace their King



And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing