Harmonies (Howe collection)/The Evangel

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THE EVANGEL
The songs of Christmas had not ceased
 Upon the New Year's air
When first from realms unknown released
 Her spirit sought our care.

And 'mid the watch with hope and dread
 Hark! in the dawn-light dim
A child's voice in the room o'erhead
 Wakes with a crooning hymn.

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
 All thoughtless sings the boy;—
Shall lisping lips foretell the flight
 Of fear, the flood of joy!

Fear not—still hear the herald sing
 The treasured words of old;
 ​Glad tidings of great joy I bring—
 The ancient truth is told!

For now the first small plaintive cry
 Of life stirs with the morn,
And heaven to earth again draws nigh—
 To us a child is born.

Thus came the Child of God to earth;
 And since the world began
An angel song for each dear birth
 Rings in the heart of man.

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