1 Across the distant plains of time,
I heard a heavenly strain,
'Twas sweeter far than storied rhyme,
And this was the refrain—
"Behold, I bring to all the earth
Good tidings of great joy"—
The news of the Redeemer's birth,
Unmixed with earth's alloy.
Refrain:
Good tidings, good tidings,
good tidings of great joy
Tidings of great joy, great joy.
2 Across the distant plains of time,
There angel voices sang,
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
This was the song they sang—
"Behold, today in Bethlehem
A son to you is given,
And he shall be your councellor,
The mighty God from heaven". [Refrain]
3 Across the distant plains of time,
This song is ringing still,
We hear it in the rolling tide,
O'er mountain top and hill:
Today, today in Bethlehem
A savior born to men,
And he shall heal the wond’ring throng
Of every sin and stain. [Refrain]
Source: Wondrous Love: A Collection of Songs and Services for Sunday Schools #40