Ollie E. Ward, "The Old Church Bell" (1903)
What joy, what joy its music tells,
Hark! and you will hear it say
Rejoice and be glad, 'tis Christmas day.
Rejoice and be glad, 'tis Christmas day.
Its merry chimes sound loud and clear,
As they peal forth on the frosty air,
In triumphant tones, it seems to say
Christ was born on Christmas day.
Christ was born on Christmas day.
Peace on earth, good will to men,—
Rings the old church bell again,
Peace on earth, good will to men,
Christ was born in Bethlehem,
Christ was born in Bethlehem,
Ding, dong, know ye not 'tis Christmas morn!
Come one, come all, in answer to my merry call.
Come raise your voice in cheerful song,
To praise the Lord this Christmas morn,
To praise the Lord this Christmas morn.
Published in Colored American Magazine, December 1903