Angels from the Realms of Glory

Melodie - "Regent Square", Henry Smart

James Montgomery

1. Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Refrain:
Come and worship,
Come and worship;
Worship Christ, the new-born King.
2. Shepherds in the fields abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the Infant Light:
Refrain:
3. Sages, leave your contemplations;
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star:
Refrain:

4. Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His Temple shall appear:
Refrain:

James Montgomery, the orphaned son of Moravian missionary parents from Scotland, was a rabble-rousing journalist and devout Christian. He wrote nearly 400 hymns. The words to this carol were published in his newspaper on Dec. 24, 1816. Henry Smart, a well-known professional church musician in London, had gone blind two years before composing this joyous tune. He was particularly noted for his improvisations at the organ.