A Visit to Bethlehem In Spirit

A Visit to Bethlehem In Spirit

by James Montgommery

The scene around me disappears,

And, borne to ancient regions,

While time recalls the flight of years,

I see angelic legions

Descending in an orb of light:

Amidst the dark and silent night

I hear celestial voices.

"Tidings, glad tidings from above

To every age and nation!

Tidings, glad tidings! God is love,

To man he sends salvation!

His Son beloved, his only Son,

The work of mercy hath begun;

Give to his name the glory!" 

Through David's city I am led;

Here all around are sleeping;

A light directs to yon poor shed;

There lonely watch is keeping:

I enter; ah, what glories shine!

Is this Immanuel's earthly shrine,

Messiah's infant temple?

It is, it is; and I adore

This Stranger meek and lowly,

As saints and angels bow before

The throne of God thrice holy!

Faith through the veil of flesh can see

The face of thy divinity,

My Lord, my God, my Savior!