Let an Anthem of Praise (Arr. Ashworth)

Let an anthem of praise, and a carol of joy

Each tongue and each heart in sweet concert employ:

This day sprung at Bethl’em a plant of renown,

And Christ to redeem us abandoned a crown.

Conceived of a virgin! how humble his birth!

Not graced with the pomp and the grandeur of earth,

But laid in a manger, with beasts, at an inn;

No room for the saviour of Israel within!

The shepherds with pleasure saluted the morn,

When Jesus, the Shepherd of Judah, was born;

The sages with wonder acknowledged his star,

And brought him their homage and gifts from afar.

Great Saviour, the tribute of honour we pay,

And celebrate gladly thy festival day:

We triumph in Britain thy glory to see;

Not sages nor shepherds more happy than we.