Sheep fast asleep

(short introduction)

Sheep fast asleep,
there on a hill,
grass for a bed;
all is still.
Cold winter night,
the frost appears;
shepherds keep watch
by their fire.
Soft there a sound,
far, far away;
is it the steam?
winds at play?
Nay, friend, it is
the heavenly choir,
singing throughout
the spheres.

Star in the sky
shining; so bright!
Silent and pure,
wondrous light!
What tiding brings it
Israel?
Can we new hope
in it find?
Good news it brings!
"Fear not, I pray!
"Born is God's Child,
"born today!
"God's gift of love
"to all the earth,
"Jesus,
"Emmanuel."

Music: Korin Chugoro Torii (20th C)
Words: Genzo Miwa (20th C), trans. John Moss (20th C)