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 Spoke the Judge, and His smile of love Gladdened the waiting choir above: "'Sin and sorrow forever past, Heaven I grant you, first and last!"

THE ANGELIC CHORUS

At midnight from the zenith burst a light More radiant and more beautiful than dawn, And the meek shepherds on the shadowy lawn Gazed upward in mute wonder on the sight; The stars sank back in pallor, and the skies Trembled responsive to rich harmonies.

And lo! an angel spake, "Be not afraid! I bear glad tidings; for this happy morn  A Saviour and a King to man is born; He sleepeth in a manger lowly laid." Then rolled along the heavens the glad refrain; "Glory to God on high and peace to men!'

Soon from the skies the streaming light was gone, And Night and Silence rested on the hill; But the mute shepherds, looking upward still, Could hear the heavenly echoes rolling on. So evermore the listening world can hear The Angelic Chorus ringing sweet and clear.