In the Early Morning, Early (Christmas Morning)

“In the Early Morning, Early” is a Christmas carol written by Frederick George Lee, an English clergyman, author, and poet who lived from 1832 to 1902. The hymn celebrates the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds near Bethlehem. Its opening words establish a quiet nighttime setting, with stars shining and dew resting on the ground, before the heavenly choir announces the good news of the Saviour's birth. The refrain, “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” meaning “Glory to God in the highest,” echoes the praise of the heavenly host in Luke 2:14. Hymnary records the text in Voices of Praise: for School and Church and Home, published in 1883, and in Charles L. Hutchins's Carols Old and Carols New, published in 1916. The 1883 publication confirms that the hymn was in circulation by that year, although the exact date of composition has not been independently established.

The first stanza depicts the angels singing while the shepherds keep watch over their flocks. The contrast between the stillness of the night and the glory of the heavenly announcement gives the carol its sense of wonder. The Latin phrase “Gloria in excelsis Deo” connects the hymn with the historic language of Christian worship and the biblical message of praise announced at Christ's birth. The song encourages worshippers to imagine the shepherds hearing the extraordinary news that God's promised Saviour has entered the world.

The second stanza focuses on the humble shepherds and the first Christmas morning. The angelic choir announces that Christ, the Son of God, is born. The light flashing across the sky reinforces the significance of the event: the birth of Jesus is presented as a revelation of God's grace and a reason for rejoicing. The shepherds were ordinary working people, yet they were among the first to hear the announcement of the Messiah's arrival. Their place in the Christmas story reminds believers that the good news of Christ is not reserved for the powerful or socially prominent.

The final stanza widens the scene from Bethlehem to heaven and earth. It declares that glory belongs to God and celebrates the arrival of the day of grace. The newborn child is described as a King, emphasizing that Jesus' birth is not merely a touching family event but the coming of the promised ruler. This theme connects with Isaiah 9:6-7, which speaks of the child who will reign with justice and peace. The angels' song becomes an invitation for all creation to recognize God's saving work and respond in praise.

The tune commonly associated with this text in Carols Old and Carols New is credited to George Edgar Oliver in 1904. Hymnary records the musical setting in the 1916 collection, while also listing a separate setting associated with W. Borrow. These settings should be kept distinct in a hymn library. The carol is suitable for Christmas services, lessons and carols, church concerts, and family worship. Through its vivid description of the angels and shepherds, its historic Latin refrain, and its proclamation of Christ as Saviour and King, “In the Early Morning, Early” invites Christians to join the heavenly host in giving glory to God.