9:4 4 A-MEN. 513 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch I While shepherds watched their 2 All seated on the ground, And glory shone around. Had seized their troubled mind); "Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind." "To you in David's town this day The Saviour, who is Christ the And this shall be the sign: The heavenly Babe you there shall find To human view displayed, All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, And in a manger laid.” 3 Thus spake the angel; and forthwith Appeared a shining throng Of angels, praising God, and thus Address'd their joyful song: "All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace; Good-will henceforth from heaven to men Begin, and never cease !" 6 A-MEN. 515 Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. Luke ii: 12. I "O how shall I keep my Christ- 2 O cradled He was in a manger! mas ?" My heart whispered softly to me, For I had been reading the story Of the Lord's nativity; And slowly and clearly before me The words like pictures rise, And the scenes appear in the beauty Of the starry Syrian skies. For lowly and poor was He, Whose throne is the splendors of heav'n, Whose pow'r is infinity; And He bore His cross to save us, To save us from death and sin, And He trod all alone the winepress, To make us pure and clean. |