Our hearts within our breasts shall leap for joy;
In contemplation rapt our souls shall soar,
And gleaming light dispel our sore annoy.
All things on earth shall join to welcome thee;
Worldliness a while from toil shall cease
To listen to thy heavenly harmony.
And to thy promise of a lasting peace!
In thee is wrought the mystery of grace,
In thee the Saviour's birth hath taken place.
On Their Return They Are asked what They saw.
Shepherds! Whom have ye seen? Do tell us, and announce who hath appeared on the earth?
- Office of Christmas Day.
O Shepherd, tell us why you left your sheep,
Unguarded and unattended on the plain?
Why hurried ye o'er mountain and the steep
With eager joy your breasts could scarce contain?