Awake were they only those shepherds so lonely
On guard in that silence profound
When color had faded
When night time had shaded
Their senses from sight and from sound
Lo, then broke a wonder, then drifted asunder
The veils from the splendor of God
When light from the Holy, came down to the lowly
And heav' to the earth that they trod
May light now enfold us, O Lord for behold us
Like shepherds from tumult withdrawn
Nor hearing nor seeing all others care fleeing
We wait the ineffable dawn
O Spirit all-knowing thou source overflowing
O move in the darkness around
That sight may be in us true hearing to win us
Glad tidings where Christ may be found