Blest, Withouten Match

Words: George Radcliffe Woodward
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

 Music: Branle de la torche, from Thoinot Arbeau's Orchesographic (1588), harmonized by G.R.W.

Source: Charles Wood and George Ratcliffe Woodward, The Cambridge Carol-Book, Being Fifty-Two Songs For Christmas, Easter, And Other Seasons (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1924), #6.

1. Blest, withouten match,
    O Bethlem, is the gable
O'er that lowly cratch:—
    The crib within thy stable.
For, as Babe, therein
    That Lord and God abideth,
Who on Cherubyn
    Aloft in glory rideth. Alleluia.

2. He is born to shrive
    The son, his goods who squander'd,
Born to save alive
    The sheep, that far had wander'd.
So bear we in mind
    To hymn this heavenly stranger:—
God, who, for mankind,
    Did not abhor the manger. Alleluia.

Sheet Music

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols