Ye Nations All, On You I Call
- Renée Coventry
- Dec 25, 2025
- 2 min read
It is Christmas Day, and since Christ to redeem all of humanity, I thought it fitting to have the hymn Ye Nations All, On You I Call. Unlike many of our previous hymns, this song was written in America in the early nineteenth century. This reflects early American belief that we, as a nation, were to bring the light of the Gospel to the world. It is believed to have been written by William Walker of New Haven in 1835. As we gather to celebrate Christ’s birth, I hope you take a moment to reflect on how you will share the glorious news of Christ’s advent with those around you in the coming days and years, bidding them not “refuse this glorious news of Jesus and salvation!”
Ye Nations All, On You I Call
Ye nations all, on you I call: come, hear this declaration,
And don’t refuse this glorious news of Jesus and salvation!
To royal Jews came first the news of Christ the great Messiah,
As was foretold by prophets old: Isaiah, Jeremiah.
To Abraham the promise came, and to his seed forever,
A light to shine in Isaac’s line, by Scripture we discover.
Hail, promised morn! The Saviour’s born, the glorious Mediator –
God’s blessed Word, made flesh and blood, assumed the human nature.
His parents, poor in earthly store to entertain the stranger,
They found no bed to lay his head but in the ox’s manger;
No royal things, as used by kings, were seen by those that found Him,
But in the hay the stranger lay, with swaddling bands around Him.
On the same night a glorious light to shepherds there appeared;
Bright angels came in shining flame: they saw and greatly feared.
The angels said: ‘Be not afraid! Although we much alarm you,
We do appear good news to bear, as now we will inform you.
‘The city’s name is Bethlehem, the which God hath appointed;
This glorious morn a Saviour’s born, for Him God hath anointed.
By this you’ll know, if you will go to see this little stranger:
His lovely charms in Mary’s arms, both lying in a manger.’
When this was said, straightway was made a glorious sound from heaven;
Each flaming tongue an anthem sung: ‘To men a Saviour’s given!
In Jesus’ name, the glorious theme, we elevate our voices;
At Jesus’ birth be peace on earth; meanwhile all heav’n rejoices.’
Then with delight they took their flight, and wing’d their way to glory;
The shepherds gazed, and were amazed to hear the pleasing story.
To Bethlehem they quickly came, the glorious news to carry,
And in the stall they found them all, Joseph, the Babe, and Mary.
The shepherds then return’d again to their own habitation;
With joy of heart they did depart, now they have found salvation.
‘Glory,’ they cry, ‘to God on high, who sent His Son to save us!
This glorious morn the Saviour’s born; His name it is Christ Jesus.’
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