And praise the Everlasting’s blest design.
Far, o’er the hills, the angel-chorus rings;
The Shepherds, thro’ the dusk, are drawing nigh;
St. Joseph’s lantern glows.... The Eastern Kings
Stand out, like giants, ’gainst the bright’ning sky.
“Glory to God!”—(the swelling strains increase)
“And, on the earth, to men of good-will—peace!”
III.
“A child is born to us, and a Son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulders; and his name shall be called the Angel of great Council.”—Isaias ix.
Within the Bethlehem of these poor hearts,