Another of his great hymns dates from the same year. Grundtvig was in the habit of remaining up all night when he had to speak on the following day. The Christmas of 1825 was particularly trying to him. He had apparently forfeited his last vestige of honor by publishing his _Reply of the Church_; the suit started against him by Professor Clausen still dragged its laborious way through the court; and his anxiety over the present state of the church was greatly increased by the weight of his personal troubles. He felt very much like the shepherds watching their flocks at night, except that no angels appeared to help him with the message his people would expect him to deliver in the morning. Perhaps he was unworthy of such a favor. He rose, as was his custom, and made a round into the bedrooms to watch his children. How innocently they slept! If the angels could not come to him, they ought at least to visit the children. If they heard the message, their elders might perchance catch it through them. Some such thought must have passed through the mind of the lonely pastor as he sat musing upon his sermon throughout the night, for he appeared unusually cheerful as he ascended his pulpit Christmas morning, preached a joyful sermon, and said, at its conclusion, that he had that night begotten a song which he wished to read to them. That song has since become one of the most beloved Christmas songs in the Danish language. To give an adequate reproduction of its simple, childlike spirit in another language is perhaps impossible, but it is hoped that the translation given below will convey at least an impression of its cheerful welcome to the Christmas angels. Be welcome again, God's angels bright From mansions of light and glory To publish anew this wintry night The wonderful Christmas story. Ye herald to all that yearn for light New year after winter hoary. With gladness we hear your sweet refrain In praise of God's glory solely; Ye will not this wintry night disdain To enter our dwellings lowly. And bring to each yearning heart again The joy that is pure and holy. In humble homes as in mansions rare With light in the windows glowing, We harbor the babes as sweet and fair As flowers in meadows growing. Oh, deign with these little ones to share The joy from your message flowing. Reveal the child in the manger still With angels around Him singing The song of God's glory, peace, good-will That joy to all hearts is bringing, While far over mountain, field and hill, The bells are with gladness ringing. God's angels with joy to earth descend When hymns to His praise are chanted; His comfort and peace our Lord will lend To all who for peace have panted; The portals of heaven open stand; The Kingdom to us is granted.