FAIR Gratitude! in strain sublime, <br />Swell high to heav'n thy tuneful zeal; <br />And, hailing this auspicious time, <br />Kneel, Adoration! kneel! <br /> <br />CHORUS. <br />For lo! the day, th' immortal day, <br />When Mercy's full, benignant ray, <br />Chas'd ev'ry gathering cloud away, <br />And pour'd the noon of light! <br />Rapture! be kindling, mounting, glowing. <br />While from thine eye the tear is flowing, <br />Pure, warm, and bright! <br /> <br />'Twas on this day, oh, love divine! <br />The orient star's effulgence rose; <br />Then wak'd the moon, whose eye benign, <br />Shall never, never close! <br /> <br />CHORUS. <br />Messiah! be thy Name ador'd; <br />Eternal, high, redeeming Lord! <br />By grateful worlds be anthems pour'd, <br />Emanuel! Prince of Peace! <br />This day, from Heav'n's empyreal dwelling, <br />Harp, lyre, and voice, in concert swelling, <br />Bade discord cease! <br /> <br />Wake the loud Pæan, tune the voice, <br />Children of heav'n and sons of earth! <br />Seraphs and men! exult, rejoice, <br />To bless the Saviour's birth! <br /> <br />CHORUS. <br />Devotion! light thy purest fire! <br />Transport! on cherub-wing aspire! <br />Praise! wake to him thy golden lyre, <br />Strike ev'ry thrilling chord! <br />While at the ark of Mercy kneeling, <br />We own thy grace, reviving, healing, <br />Redeemer! Lord!<br /><br />Felicia Dorothea Hemans<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/christmas-carol-2/
