When Christ was born of Mary free

1) When Christ was born of Mary free,
In Bethlehem, that fair city,
Angels sung e're with mirth and glee,

Ref.: In excelsis gloria,
gloria, gloria,
In excelsis gloria,
Christo paremus cantica,
In excelsis gloria.

2) Herdmen beheld these angels bright--
To them appearéd with great light,
And said, 'God's Son is born this night':

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

4) Then, dear Lord, for thy great grace,
Grant us the bliss to see thy face,
Where we may sing to thy solace.