The Heavenly Birth

For Christmas

Words: Miss Elliott

Music: M. B. Elliott

Source: Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 32, pp. 42-43.

1. Hail this holy Christmas season
When the Heav'nly Birth we sing,
Little Bethl'hem now triumphant
Gaze upon thy Saviour King
Who within a manger lowly
Deigns His infant Form to lay,
Casting off His Royal Glory
While He wills on earth to stay.

2. In this Holy Babe are gathered
All God's promises of old,
All that patriarchs had spoken,
All that prophets had foretold.
Man's Redeemer lying meekly
On His gentle Mother's arm,
Son of David, loving Shepherd,
Shedding o'er us peace and calm

3. See! The heavens wide are op'ning
To disclose an angel throng,
And the silent night is broken,
With a joyful, holy song.
Shepherds hear those blessed tidings,
In their ears the message rings,
And to Bethl'hem now they hasten
To adore the King of Kings.

4. Others, too, will come to seek Him,
Come to offer worshp sweet;
At the brightness of His rising
Wise men bow before His feet.
Bearing gifts of fragrant beauty,
They will unto Bethl'hem speed,
And the moving star above them
To the “Morning Star” will lead.

5. Shall not we, in rev'rent homage
Likewise haste our King to find?
Wilt not Thou, Lord, gladly greet us,
Thou so gracious and so king?
Ere the angels cease their singing
We, too, praise Thee and adore,
And while Christmas bells are ringing
We would learn to love Thee more.

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 32, pp. 42-43.