In the early morning

In the early morning, early,
Ere the dawn was even nigh,
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Glory be to God on high.
When the crown-like stars were lustrous,
When the dew was on the sod,
Sang the angels to the shepherds,
Sang the choristers of God.

To the humble Bethlehem shepherds,
On the first glad Christmas morn,
Sang the choir of God angelic,
“Christ, the Son of God, is born.”
When the dew was white and pearly
Flashed a light across the sky,
In the early morning, early,
“Glory be to God on high.”

Glory in the heavens eternal,
Upon earth be glory, too,
For the day of grace hath broken,
And a King is born to you.
In the early morning, early,
“Glory be to God on high”
Rang the sound of angels harping
Through the still and list’ning sky.