James Montgomery

For Christmas.

Sleep, weary world, and take thy rest,

Thy countless eye-lids close;

Shut all thy cares within thy breast,

For once in peace repose.

Wake, slumbering world; a midnight cry

Comes with Almighty breath;

Wake; thy redemption draweth nigh,

Rise from the dust of death.

Yon star, those angels, shepherds, kings,

A birth from heaven proclaim;

The Son of God salvation brings,

Emanuel is His name.

Gather thy children from afar,

Of climes and tongues unknown;

Show them the stable and the star,

Christ's manger and his throne.

There, with the Angels, loud and sweet,

All hearts, all voices blend;

There, with the shepherds, at his feet,

All knees, all nations bend.

There, with the wise men from the East,

Sinners their offerings bring;

Each at this altar be a priest,

And every priest a king.

For He shall wash them in His blood,

Shall with His robes array,

And make them kings and priests to God:

Lord Jesus, speed the day.