God From On High Hath Heard

God from on high hath heard;

Let sighs and sorrows cease;

Lo! from the opening Heav'n descends

To man the promised Peace.

Hark! through the silent night

Angelic voices swell;

Their joyful songs proclaim that "God

Is born on earth to dwell."

See how the shepherd band

Speed on with eager feet;

Come to the hallowed cave with them

The Holy Babe to greet.

But, oh, what sight appears

Within that lowly door!

A manger, stall, and swaddling clothes,

A Child and mother poor!

Art Thou the Christ? the Son?

The Father's image bright?

And see we Him Whose arm upholds

Earth and the starry height?

Yea, faith can pierce the cloud

Which veils Thy glory now;

We hail Thee, God, before Whose throne

The angels prostrate bow.

A silent Teacher, Lord,

Thou bidd'st us not refuse

To bear what flesh would have us shun,

To shun what flesh would choose.

Our sinful pride to cure

With that pure love of Thine,

O be Thou born within our hearts,

Most Holy Child divine.