It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
their harps of gold.
Peace on the earth, good will to men
from heaven's all gracious King.
The world in solemn stillness
lay to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurl'd ;
And still their heav'nly music floats
o'er all the weary world :
Above its sad and lowly plains
they bend on hov'ring wing.
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.