Hymn: Author of words unknown • Music by L.H. Thomas, 1875
From "The year of Christ in song: Advent and Christmas-tide" By Osgood Eaton Fuller, 1875
Found in "Partners" (Chapter 20) "Stranger Within the Gates" (Chapter 15) and "Some Carols for the Lord" (from Katherine's Yesterday)
A Christmas Carol.
I.
This is the winter morn,
Our Saviour, Christ, was born,
Who left the realms of endless clay,
To take our sins away.
Have ye no Carol for the Lord,
To spread His love abroad?
Hosanna! from all our hearts we raise,
Hosanna! Hosanna!
And make our lives His praise.
II.
Ring, ring, O happy bells!
A blessed angel tells
The story of His humble birth,
Who came this day to earth.
Have ye no praises for the Lord
To spread His love abroad?
Hosanna! from all our hearts we pour,
Hosanna! Hosanna!
And bless Him evermore.
III.
The shepherds vigils keep
And watch by night their sheep:
Upon the plains of Bethlehem
What glory comes to them!
Have ye from heaven no glory felt,
Who all in prayer have knelt?
Hosanna! in all our hearts is light,
Hosanna! Hosanna!
God's worship is delight.
IV.
A clear, angelic voice,
To make the world rejoice,
Brings men good tidings of great joy!
Which shall all hearts employ.
Have ye no precious word to bear,
To make the world more fair?
Hosanna! from all our hearts shall flow,
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Where'er on earth we go.
V.
The trembling shepherds hear,
An angel calms their fear;
Lo! Christ in swaddling bands arrayed.
Is in a manger laid.
Have ye no word of great delight,
To bring the day from night?
Hosanna! in all our hearts shall be,
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Through all eternity.
VI.
All in the lowly place
They find the Royal Grace,
And lo! they fall a worshipping
Before the new-born King.
Have ye no worship for the Lord,
To give with one accord?
Hosanna! in all our hearts we bring,
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Our lives our offering.
VII.
Their grateful hearts are full
Of things most beautiful;
And lo! the wonder of the Lord
They straightway spread abroad.
Have ye no beauty of the Christ
Whose love has long sufficed?
Hosanna! from all our hearts we raise,
Hosanna! Hosanna!
And carry hence His praise.
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