O, holy night! O, glorious light,

That shines on Bethlehem town!

O, music sweet, that from the skies

Comes floating softly down!

The echo of the angels' song

Falls on our ears again:

“All glory be to God on high,

And peace to his people on earth.”

The shepherds heard, like note of bird,

That midnight carol clear,

And to the manger and the babe

In awe and love drew near

And, as they gazed, the heavenly strain

Rang in their hearts again:

“All glory be to God on high,

And peace to his people on earth.”

'Twas service sweet, 'twas homage meet

For lowly men to pay;

And we our hearts' obeisance make

Upon this Christmas day.

We join ye, angel choristers,

As ye repeat again:

“All glory be to God on high,

And peace to his people on earth.”

O, holy night! O, glorious light,

That shines on Bethlehem town!

O, music sweet, that from the skies

Comes floating softly down!

We catch the golden cadences

And fling them back again --

“All glory be to God on high,

And peace to his people on earth.”

Words: Thos. C. Roney (19th century)