Forsake the courts of heaven, O angel choirs on high; our silent dark be riven with songs that fill the sky; come, rend the clouds asunder, on God incarnate gaze, and sing with awe and wonder of glory, peace and praise. Forsake your watch unsleeping, O shepherds of the fold, your night-long vigil keeping by starlight clear and cold; come, hear the angel's story and haste to journey down, to where the Lord of glory is born in David's town. Forsake your ancient learning, O Magi from afar, your new-born king discerning beneath his guiding star; come, greet the King of ages, the world's Redeemer see, of sinners, saints and sages, enthroned on Mary's knee. Forsake your care and sadness, all burdened longing hearts; by faith receive with gladness the gift that God imparts; come, join the angel chorus, believe the promised word, a new world lies before us through Christ our living Lord.