[295]Sebastian:

John S. B. Hodges (1830-1915)

John Cawood, 1819

Hark! what mean those holy voices

Sweetly sounding through the skies?

Lo! th'angelic host rejoices,

Heavenly alleluias rise.

Listen to the wondrous story,

Which they chant in hymns of joy --

"Glory in the highest, glory!

Glory be to God most high!

"Peace on earth, good-will from heaven,

Reaching far as man is found;

Souls redeemed and sins forgiven,

Loud our golden harps shall sound.

"Christ is born, the great Anointed!

Heaven and earth his praises sing!

O receive whom God appointed

For your Prophet, Priest, and King!

"Hasten, mortals, to adore him;

Learn his name to magnify,

Till in heaven ye sing before him,

Glory be to God most high!"