When christ was born of mary free, In bethlehem in that fair city, Angels sung e'er with mirth and glee, [chorus:] In excelsis gloria, In excelsis gloria, In excelsis gloria, In excelsis gloria. Herdmen beheld these angels bright- To them appeared with great light, And said, "god's son is born this night." [chorus] This king is come to save his kind, In the scripture as we find; Therefore this song we have in mind: [chorus] Then, dear lord, for thy great grace, Grant us the bliss to see thy face, Where we may sing to thy solace: [chorus]