1 Sing we now of joy and gladness,
Christ our king come down to earth,
Frees mankind from pain and sadness
Hail th’incarnate Savior’s birth.
List, angelic strains are streaming
Through the Orient skies;
Look, celestial light is beaming
On the wondering shepherds’ eyes.

2 Haste we, then, this birthday morning,
To the Bethlehem cattle shed;
Heed we not, tho’ scant adorning
Deck the lowly manger bed;
Though man’s fleshly form He weareth,
In His birthplace bare,
He th’eternal kingdom shareth;
Christ Himself is cradled there.

3 Offer we in plenteous measure
Gold and gem and costly spice;
If our hearts attend our treasure
He’ll accept the sacrifice:
If to Him our life be given,
Raised from earth our eyes,
He will grant us rest in Heaven,
In His rest—in paradise.