193 The happy Christmas comes once more,

1 The happy Christmas comes once more, The heavenly Guest is at the door, The blessed words the shepherds thrill, The joyous tidings: Peace, good-will. 2 To David's city let us fly, Where angels sing beneath the sky; Through plain and village pressing near, And news from God with shepherds hear. 3 O let us go with quiet mind, The gentle Babe with shepherds find, To gaze on Him who gladdens them, The loveliest flower on Jesse's stem. 4 The lowly Savior meekly lies, Laid off the splendor of the skies; No crown bedecks His forehead fair, No pearl, nor gem, nor silk is there. 5 No human glory, might, and gold, The lovely Infant's form enfold; The manger and the swaddlings poor Are His, whom angels' songs adore. 6 O wake our hearts, in gladness sing, And keep our Christmas with our King, Till living song, from loving souls, Like sound of mighty water rolls! 7 O holy Child, Thy manger gleams Till earth and heaven glow with its beams, Till midnight hath noon's brightness won, And Jacob's Star outshines the sun. 8 Thou patriarchs' joy, Thou prophets' song; Thou heavenly Day-spring looked for long; Thou Son of Man, incarnate Word, Great David's Son, great David's Lord! 9 Come, Jesus, glorious heavenly Guest; Keep Thine own Christmas in our breast; Then David's harp-string, hushed so long, Shall swell our jubilee of song.