Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
766Resource Type:
Keys included:
Eb
About this Hymn
For a long time the Scots were opposed to singing hymns in corporate worship—that is, anything not coming directly from the Bible, such as the Psalms—so this text was crafted to serve as a singable paraphrase of Isaiah 9:2–8. Truly, there is something especially edifying about putting Scripture on our lips, especially this prophecy of a great Savior who delivers us from darkness.
Lyrics
Verse 1
The race that long in darkness pined has seen a glorious light; the people dwell in day, who dwelt in death's surrounding night.
Verse 2
To hail thy rise, thou better Sun, the gath'ring nations come; joyous as when the reapers bear the harvest treasures home.
Verse 3
To us a Child of hope is born, to us a Son is giv'n; him shall the tribes of earth obey, him all the hosts of heav'n.
Verse 4
His name shall be the Prince of Peace, forevermore adored: the Wonderful, the Counselor, the great and mighty Lord.
Verse 5
His pow'r increasing still shall spread; his reign no end shall know; justice shall guard his throne above, and peace abound below.
The race that long in darkness pined has seen a glorious light; the people dwell in day, who dwelt in death's surrounding night.
Verse 2
To hail thy rise, thou better Sun, the gath'ring nations come; joyous as when the reapers bear the harvest treasures home.
Verse 3
To us a Child of hope is born, to us a Son is giv'n; him shall the tribes of earth obey, him all the hosts of heav'n.
Verse 4
His name shall be the Prince of Peace, forevermore adored: the Wonderful, the Counselor, the great and mighty Lord.
Verse 5
His pow'r increasing still shall spread; his reign no end shall know; justice shall guard his throne above, and peace abound below.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: John Morison, 1781
Music: The CL Psalmes of David in Meeter, 1615; harm. Thomas Ravenscroft, 1621, alt.
Music: The CL Psalmes of David in Meeter, 1615; harm. Thomas Ravenscroft, 1621, alt.