The New Century Hymnal ‎#131

131. It Came upon the Midnight Clear

1 It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold;
“Peace on the earth, good will to all,
great news of joy we bring.”
The world in solemn stillness lay
to hear the angels sing.

2 Still through the cloven skies they come,
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o’er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o’er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.

3 And you, beneath life’s crushing load,
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way,
with painful steps and slow,
Look now, for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing;
O rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing!

4 For lo, the days are hastening on,
by prophets bards foretold,
when with the ever-circling years
comes round the age of gold;
When peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the world send back the song
which now the angels sing.

Text Information

• First Line: It came upon the midnight clear
• Title: It Came upon the Midnight Clear
• Author: Edmund H. Sears (1849, alt.)
• Meter: C.M.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-14
  ;
  John 14:1-7
• Topic: Christmas; Jesus Christ: Birth and Infancy; Peace: World; Rest

Tune Information

• Name: CAROL
• Composer: Richard S. Willis (1850)
• Meter: C.M.D.
• Key: B♭ Major