David’s City Dimly Lies

David’s ci­ty dim­ly lies

On the hills of Ju­dah

Darker grow the ev­en­ing skies

And the blast blows rud­er;

Hasten to the ci­ty gate

Joseph

ere it be too late

Here and there still shines a light

Seek a shel­ter from the night.

Silence reigns on hill and lea

Silent Beth­l’em’s fount­ains

Silent lies the dist­ant sea

Under Mo­ab’s mount­ains;

In the town up­on the steep

Wearied tra­vel­ers lay asleep

When the shep­herds

from the sky

Heard the an­gels’ voic­es cry.

For the si­lence of the night

All the heav’ns are ring­ing

For the dark­ness an­gels bright

Christmas an­thems sing­ing:

Never shall the light grow dim

Never cease that joy­ous hymn;

Let the ran­somed ones re­ply

Glory be to God on high!