Angel hosts in bright array
Author: George P. Grantham
Angel hosts in bright array— 
Stars their night-watch keeping— 
Earthward wend their silent way, 
While the world lies sleeping. 
Through the wintry clouds they glide, 
On through portal hoary, 
Where, the ox and ass beside, 
Lies the Babe of Glory. 
 
Refrain 
 
Ring the bells, and sound the horn! 
Shout with exultation! 
Christ the Lord today is born 
For the world’s salvation! 
 
All unseen by mortal eye, 
Reverent and lowly; 
Prostrate there, they laud on high 
Him, the Infant holy. 
From their lips celestial rise 
Sounds, with joy o’erflowing, 
Strains upborne beyond the skies, 
Hymns with rapture glowing. 
 
Refrain 
 
Raphäel, archangel bright! 
On thine errand wending, 
Forth again into the night 
Mount, the clouds ascending! 
Take of that, thy glittering train, 
Hosts of light, dear angel! 
Then descend where Bethlehem’s plain 
Waits thy longed evangel! 
 
Refrain 
 
Hark the news the angel tells: 
Lo! An infant stranger, 
God’s dear Son among you dwells, 
Born in Bethlehem’s manger! 
Bursts a chorus from the sky, 
Loud from Heaven’s portal: 
Glory be to God on high, 
Peace, goodwill to mortal! 
 
Refrain 
 
Angel spirits earthward led, 
With a hope endearing, 
First to worship, first to spread 
News of Christ’s appearing! 
Trace we out your footfalls light, 
Praise we Christ in glory, 
Then waft on the tidings bright 
Of the Gospel’s story! 
 
Refrain
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