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WHILE BY OUR SHEEP
Amazing Grace German carol, Translated by Theodore Baker, 1851–1934 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:20) It was a cold, clear night. The stars twinkled above and an air of peaceful serenity settled calmly over the…
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THERE’S A SONG IN THE AIR!
Amazing Grace Josiah G. Holland, 1819–1881 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God … (Luke 2:13) What a beautiful scene is drawn for us in this joyful Christmas hymn! As we visualize once more the glorious chorus of angels, the brilliant star, and Mary watching over her babe…
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ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
Amazing Grace Traditional French Carol Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests. (Luke 2:14) As vast numbers of angels swiftly descended toward earth through the star sprinkled sky, the leading angel halted them with a sign. They hovered with folded wings over a silent field…
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ANGELS FROM THE REALM OF GLORY
Amazing Grace James Montgomery, 1771–1854 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. (Luke 2:9) All my heart this night rejoices as I hear, far and near, Sweetest angel voices. “Christ is born” their choirs are singing, Till the air everywhere now…
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AWAY IN A MANGER
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O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
Amazing Grace Phillips Brooks, 1835–1893 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. (Luke 2:4) In the same way that God’s “wondrous gift” came to Bethlehem, silently, so Christ comes into our lives…
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WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
Amazing Grace William C. Dix, 1837–1898 When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child … (Luke 2:17) The question asked in this well-loved carol must have been uppermost in the minds of those present at Jesus’ birth. We can almost hear the question being asked…
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JOY TO THE WORLD
Amazing Grace Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10) As one of the most joyous of all Christmas hymns, this carol omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses, and wise men. It emphasizes…