The nativity of Christ, Luke 1. 30 &c. Luke 2, 10 &c.

1 Behold, the grace appears,
The promise is fulfill'd;
Mary the wondrous virgin bears,
And Jesus is the child.

2 [The Lord, the highest God,
Calls him his only Son;
He bids him rule the lands abroad,
And gives, him David's throne.

3 O'er Jacob shall he reign
With a peculiar sway;
The nations shall his grace obtain,
His kingdom ne'er decay.]

4 To bring the glorious news
A heavenly form appears;
He tells the shepherds of their joys,
And banishes their fears.

5 "Go, humble swains," said he,
"To David's city fly;
"The promis'd infant born to-day,
"Doth in a manger lie.

6 "With looks and heart serene,
"Go visit Christ your King;"
And straight, a flaming troop was seen;