Luke 2 - Scottish Metrical Paraphrases 1781(MP1781)

SONG 378,6,8,6tune: Evangel, 139; Gräfenberg, 68; Winchester, 137.Luke 2:8-14

8 While humble shepherds watch’d their flocks

in Bethleh’m’s plains by night,

9An angel sent from heav’n appear’d,

and fill’d the plains with light.

10 Fear not, he said, (for sudden dread

had seiz’d their troubled mind;)

Glad tidings of great joy I bring

to you, and all mankind.

11 To you, in David’s town, this day

is born, of David’s line,

The Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;

12and this shall be the sign:

4 The heav’nly Babe you there shall find

to human view display’d,

All meanly wrapt in swaddling‐bands,

and in a manger laid.

13-15 Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith

appear’d a shining throng

Of angels, praising God; and thus

address’d their joyful song:

6 All glory be to God on high,

and to the earth be peace;

Good‐will is shown by Heav’n to men,

and never more shall cease.

SONG 38

8,6,8,6

tune: St. Andrew, 93.

Luke 2:25-33

25 Just and devout old Simeon liv’d;

to him it was reveal’d,

26That Christ, the Lord, his eyes should see

ere death his eyelids seal’d.

27 For this consoling gift of Heav’n

to Isr’el’s fallen state,

From year to year, with patient hope,

the aged saint did wait.

28-29 Nor did he wait in vain; for, lo!

revolving years brought round,

In season due, the happy day,

which all his wishes crown’d.

10 4 When Jesus, to the temple brought

by Mary’s pious care,

As Heav’n’s appointed rites requir’d,

to God was offer’d there,

5 Simeon into those sacred courts

a heav’nly impulse drew;

He saw the Virgin hold her Son,

and straight his Lord he knew.

12 6 With holy joy upon his face

the good old father smil’d;

Then fondly in his wither’d arms

he clasp’d the promis’d child:

7 And while he held the heav’n‐born Babe,

ordain’d to bless mankind,

Thus spoke, with earnest look, and heart

exulting, yet resign’d:

8 Now, Lord! according to thy word,

let me in peace depart;

Mine eyes have thy salvation seen,

and gladness fills my heart.

9 At length my arms embrace my Lord,

now let their vigour cease;

At last my eyes my Saviour see,

now let them close in peace.

30-31 This great salvation, long prepar’d,

and now disclos’d to view,

Hath prov’d thy love was constant still,

and promises were true.

32-33 That Sun I now behold, whose light

shall heathen darkness chase,

And rays of brightest glory pour

around thy chosen race.