When christ was born of mary free,
In bethlehem in that fair city,
Angels sung e'er with mirth and glee,

[chorus:]
In excelsis gloria,
In excelsis gloria,
In excelsis gloria,
In excelsis gloria.

Herdmen beheld these angels bright-
To them appeared with great light,
And said, "god's son is born this night."

[chorus]

This king is come to save his kind,
In the scripture as we find;
Therefore this song we have in mind:

[chorus]

Then, dear lord, for thy great grace,
Grant us the bliss to see thy face,
Where we may sing to thy solace:

[chorus]