1. When Christ was born of Mary free
in Bethlehem that fair city,
angels sang with mirth and glee,
   In excelsis Gloria.

2. Herdmen beheld these angels bright
to them appeared with great light
and said, "God's son is born this night."
   In excelsis Gloria.

3. A king has come to save his kind,
in the scripture as we find;
therefore this song have we in mind:
   In excelsis Gloria.

4. Then, dear Lord, through your great grace,
grant us in time to see your face,
where we may sing to your solace.
   In excelsis Gloria.

words: 15th century
music:(c) Noel Tredinnick/admin The Jubilate Group