3 The word of life, dispensed to-day, NATIVITY OF JESUS. HYMN 135. C. M. [#] 1 WHAT sudden glories did surprise 2 'Twas night, and gloomy darkness hung Shepherds in pensive numbers sung, 3 Deep musing on the prophecies With glimmering hopes and longing eyes, 4 Behold, the tidings, which we bring Are of your long-expected King, 5 To-day is born, in Bethlehem, To rule the New Jerusalem, And turn to day the night. HYMN 136. C. M. [#] 1 SHEPHERDS, rejoice; lift up your eyes, And send your fears away; News from the region of the skies— 2 No gold, nor purple swaddling bands, 3 Thus Gabriel sang-and straight around 4 Glory to God who reigns above; ; Let peace abound on earth HYMN 137. H. M. [#] Christ's Birth proclaimed. 1 HARK! what celestial notes, And fills the ravished ear. The tuneful shell, The concert swell. 2 Angelic hosts descend, See, how from heaven they bend, Fear not, say they; Great joy we bring: 3 Glory to God on high! Ye mortals, spread the sound, To earth's remotest bound! From God in heaven, At Jesus' birth. HYMN 138. P. M. [#] The Nativity. 1 No war nor battle's sound Was heard the world around ; No hostile chiefs to furious combat ran; But peaceful was the night, In which the Prince of light His reign of peace upon the earth began. 2 The shepherds on the lawn, Before the point of dawn, In social circle sat; while, all around, Or cropped the flowery food, Or slept, or sported on the verdant ground. Answering the stringed noise, With blissful rapture charmed the listening band 4 Hail, hail, auspicious morn! The Saviour Christ is born! Such was the raptured seraph's song sublime. Glory to God in heaven! To man sweet peace be given, Sweet peace and friendship, to the end of time! HYMN 139. C. M. [#] Behold, he comes. His new-discovered grace demands song. 2 Say to the nations, Jesus reigns,- His power the sinking world sustains, 3 Let heaven proclaim the joyful day, 4 With joy lift up your wondering eyes, Ye mountains, sink; ye valleys, rise HYMN 140. S. M. [#] The Lord is come. 1 Joy to the world below- 2 Joy to the earth he brings, 3 Far as the curse is found, He makes his blessings flow; 4 He rules with truth and grace, * HYMN 141. C. M. [#] Christmas. 1 JEHOVAH spake, and Gabriel sped, Celestial glory round him spread, |