19.
Reading edition
Behold, the grace appears, The promise is fulfilled: Mary, the wondrous Virgin, bears, And Jesus is the Child.
To bring the glorious news, A heavenly form appears; He tells the shepherds of their joys, And banishes their fears.
“Go, humble swains,” said he, “To David’s city fly; “The promis’d 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 heavenly peace on earth! “Good-will to men, to angels joy, “At their Redeemer’s birth!”