There was a night, in ages
past,

  When angels swept through
Eastern skies:

Their presence thrilled the
shepherds’ hearts

  And filled their souls with
glad surprise;

     For angel tongues made
known to them

     That Christ was born in Bethlehem.

 

The magi saw His glorious
star

  Above the lowly manger-bed,

And by its silvery beams of
light

  Were to that ancient stable
led.

     There they beheld that
peerless One—

     The Son of Man, and God
the Son!

 

They bowed their knees before
His shrine,

  And worshiped in that
humble spot;

They lavished on Him costly
gifts

  Which they in love from far
had brought.

     Thus they adored the One
from heaven—

     They honored Him whom
God had given.

 

But men despised His righteous
claims—

  Despised His holy person
too;

They hailed Him not as Lord
and King,

  But on dark Calvary pierced Him through!

     “Away with Him” in rage
they cried—

     Earth’s Sovereign thus
was crucified.

 

No room for Him in inn was
found,

  And human breasts were
locked and barred;

But when He comes to earth
again

  No power His kingdom can
retard.

     No foe shall then
dispute His throne,

     All must His claims with
honor own-

 

His day of glory hastens on—

  That day when all mankind
shall bow,

He’ll be enthroned as King of
kings,

  Then many crowns shall deck
His brow.

     The entire world shall
own His sway

     Throughout that bright
millennial day.

 

O Lord, the whole creation
groans

  For that bright
sin-dispelling day,

When Thou shalt reign on Zion’s hill,

  And purge the ills of earth
away.

     Faith longs to see Thee
on Thy throne

     To reign supreme o’er
every zone.

     (From Help and Food,
Vol. 39.)