Sunday Poetry - Christmas

Another of my favourite carols. It was written in the 19th century by James Montgomery. Here's a lovely performance by the Truro Cathedral Choir which was part of Howard Goodall's TV program about the origins of Christmas carols. Apparently the service of Nine Lessons and Carols didn't begin at King's College, Cambridge but in Truro.

Angels from the realms of glory
Wing your flight over all the earth
Ye, who sang creations story
Now proclaim Messiah's birth
Come and worship, come and worship
Worship Christ the newborn King

Shepherds in the fields abiding
Watching over your flocks by night
God with man is now residing
Yonder shines the Infant light
Come and worship, come and worship
Worship Christ the newborn King

Sages leave your contemplations
Brighter visions beam afar
Seek the great Desire of nations
Ye have seen His natal star
Come and worship, come and worship
Worship Christ the newborn King

Saints before the alter bending
Watching long in hope and fear
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear
Come and worship, come and worship
Worship Christ the newborn King