The Son Of God Came Down In Love

Words: Gestiegen ist vom Himmels-thron, from Trier Gesangbuch, 1846
Translation by Rev. George R. Woodward

Source: George Radcliffe Woodward, ed., Songs of Syon (London: Schott & Co., Third Edition, 1908), # 28

1. The Son of God came down in love
From heav’n above:
To leave the Father ‘twas his mind,
And from a giant,
Strong and defiant,
To save mankind.
        Up therefore, Christian men, and hie
        To yonder manger,
        In cold and danger
        Where Christ doth lie.

2. The Word made flesh doth condescend 
Man to befriend:
Those infant lips, how full of grace!
Yet hear him crying,
On bed-straw lying,
In doleful case.
        Up therefore, Christian men, and hie
        To yonder manger,
        In cold and danger
        Where Christ doth lie.

3. Hail Mary! God of thee is born,
Thou Star of Morn,
That doth full daylight usher in:
Help, blissful Maiden,
Souls heavy-laden
Pardon to win.
        Up therefore, Christian men, and hie
        To yonder manger,
        In cold and danger
        Where Christ doth lie.

4. Ne’er let that Angel-descant¹ cease  
To herald peace
At Jesus Christ’s Nativity:
Grace, my soul, cherish;
So vice shall perish,
And well is thee.
        Up therefore, Christian men, and hie
        To yonder manger,
        In cold and danger
        Where Christ doth lie.

Note:

1. or Angel-quire in Woodward's The Hymns and Carols for Christmas-tide (1897). Return.

Also found in G. R. Woodward, ed., The Hymns and Carols for Christmas-tide (London: H. Grice, 1897), Carol #23, pp. 30-31.

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