THE ANGELIC CHORUS
Reading edition
By D. J. Donahoe
At midnight from the zenith burst a light More radiant and more beautiful than dawn, And the meek shepherds on the shadowy lawn Gazed upward in mute wonder on the sight; The stars sank back in pallor, and the skies Trembled responsive to rich harmonies. And lo! an angel spake, “Be not afraid! I bear glad tidings; for this happy morn A Saviour and a King to man is born; He sleepeth in a manger lowly laid.” Then rolled along the heavens the glad refrain; “Glory to God on high and peace to men!” Soon from the skies the streaming light was gone, And Night and Silence rested on the hill; But the mute shepherds, looking upward still, Could hear the heavenly echoes rolling on. So evermore the listening world can hear The Angelic Chorus ringing sweet and clear.