Myles Birket Foster (1851-1922) was organist of the Foundling Hospital (London), playing the organ donated by the asylum’s patron, the musician George Frederick Handel. He was a prolific composer, chiefly of children’s and church music. He has no Mormon connection except that this Christmas song has appeared in early 20th century LDS children’s songbooks.

Click here to hear Phantom play this melody.

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Watching in the meadows
O’er their flocks by night,
Shepherds heard glad tidings,
Saw heav’n’s wondrous light!
Hallelujahs heard they
From the Angels then
“Peace on earth” their message,
And “good will to men!”
“Peace on earth” their message,
And “Good will to men!”
“Peace on earth,
Peace on earth.”

Hark, that joyous message!
Mourners, cease to grieve!
Join to hail with gladness
Blessed Christmas Eve!
Children, let those tidings
Ring forth once again:
“Glory in the highest,”
And “Good will to men!”
“Glory in the highest!”
And Good will to men!”
“Peace on earth,
Peace on earth.”