24.
Reading edition
Hark; the celestial heralds sing, and hail the birth-day of their King! Come, sinners, wipe your flowing tears, the Hope of Israel now appears!
CHORUS:
Welcome news the angels bring on this solemn morn; Good-will to men they sweetly sing, all glory to our heavenly King, A Saviour born!
Hark! ’tis Gabriel’s heavenly voice, that bids the favour’d swains rejoice! Now, shepherds, cast your fears away; the promis’d Saviour’s born to-day. Cho.—Welcome news, &c.
Christ the Eternal Son of God, has left his Father’s bright abode, To save a lost and ruin’d race, that they may ever sing his praise. Cho.—Welcome news, &c.