“Go, fear not,” said God’s angels,

“Let nothing you affright,

For there is born in Bethlehem,

Of a pure Virgin bright,

One able to advance you,

And throw down Satan quite.”

The shepherds at those tidings

Rejoiced much in mind,

And left their flocks a-feeding

In tempest storms of wind,

And straight they came to Bethlehem,

The Son of God to find.

With sudden joy and gladness

The shepherds were beguil’d

To see the Babe of Israel

Before his mother mild;

O then with joy and cheerfulness

Rejoice each mother’s child!

God bless the ruler of this house,

And send him long to reign,

And many a merry Christmas

May he live to see again,

Among your friends and kindred,

That live both far and near,

And may God send you a happy new year!