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And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born so, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, and angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men".

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:

Shepherds, in the field abiding, watching o’er your flocks by night, God with man is now residing; yonder shines the Infant Light:

Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar; seek the great Desire of nations; ye have seen His natal star:

Saints, before the altar bending, watching long in hope and fear, suddenly the Lord descending in His temple shall appear:

Sinners, wrung with true repentance, doomed for guilt to endless pains, justice now revokes the sentence, mercy calls you, break your chains.

Tho’ an infant now we view Him, He will share His Father’s throne; Gather all the nations to Him; every knee shall then bow down:

Lord of Heaven, we adore Thee, God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, One in glory, on the same eternal throne.

All creation, join in praising God, the Father, Spirit, Son, evermore your voices raising, to the eternal Three in One.

REFRAIN

Come and worship, come and worship; worship Christ, the newborn King.

James Montgomery was born on November 4, 1771, in Ayrshire, Scotland. His parents were Scottish missionaries, who died during a mission trip to the West Indies (they died almost 1 year apart from each other), while he was in boarding school. Even though he lost both of his parents at a relatively young age, he still loved God, and had a heart for people who did not know the love of God. While he was a student, he studied the Bible whenever he had extra time. James became the editor of a local newspaper, “The Sheffield Iris” which often discussed serious topics. He was briefly imprisoned two times: once for allowing a song to be published shortly after the fall of the Bastille, and again for publishing the events of a riot that reflected unfavorably on a military commander. Following his brief time in prison, he wrote “Prison Amusements”, which was written about his experiences and those he met while there. James was very outspoken and against slavery, poorhouses, young boy chimney sweeps, gambling, and lotteries. Later, he became a publisher and published 11 volumes of poetry, and hymns. James wrote many of those poems and hymns. His most known Christmas carol is, “Angels from the Realms of Glory”. In 1833, he received a Royal pension of £200. On April 30, 1854, James passed away in his sleep at the age of 82. After his death, a statue was posthumously erected at the church that held his funeral and the last two verses of the Christmas carol were added.