God Loved The World

For Christmas

Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt

Words and tune from the Trier Gesangbuch, 1871. Harmonized by B. Luard Selby.

Notes and Source: George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book for Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised and Expanded Edition 1929), Carol #9

1. God loved the world so that he gave
His only Son the world to save.

Chorus
Then sing for joy, sing for joy,
Near and far, O and A,
Bless ye the Lord.
Alleluya.

2. Our Saviour He, and chiefest good,
Like to our own, took flesh and blood. Chorus

3. The same that sitteth thron'd on high,
A Babe is lowly crib doth lie. Chorus

4. See, the Almighty Lord of all
Doth on the garb of common thrall. Chorus

5. Choosing Him poverty below,
To make man rich for evermo. Chorus

6. What! God the serf, and man the knight!
Sure, this of love the very height. Chorus

7. The gate of Eden once was barr'd,
But now no need of Cherub-guard. Chorus

8. Wherefore, I pray you, merry make,
And carol for the Baby's sake. Chorus

Sheet Music from George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book for Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised and Expanded Edition 1929), Carol #9
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Also found in G. R. Woodward, ed., The Hymns and Carols for Christmas-tide (London: H. Grice, 1897), Carol #15, pp. 23-24. The texts were identical except for these differences:

• Verse 4, line 2. Clad in the smock of common thrall.

• Verse 8, line 2. And carol for Babe Jesu's sake.

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