Full Lyrics
Behold that splendour: hear the shout!
Heav'n opens; angels issue out
And throng the nether sky.
What solemn tidings do they bring?
Rapt at th'approach of Israel's King,
They speak the Monarch nigh.
Why does the King approach our land?
Comes he with thunder in his hand,
The merit of our crimes?
Shepherds, be glad: he comes with peace,
Not wrath, but universal grace,
To bless ev'n distant climes.
See heav'n's great heir, a woman's son!
Behold; a manger is his throne!
Nay: see him born to die.
Yours is the guilt, but his the pain:
His are the sorrows, yours the gain:
Then let his praise be high.
Come, mighty King, the grace enhance,
A stable was thy palace once;
Dwell in these hearts of ours:
Teach us to praise the Father's love,
Till blest, transported, fired above,
We sing with nobler pow'rs.
