The Son Of God Is Born For All

Geborn ist Gottes Sönelein

M. Praetorius, 1609, as given by Layriz. Melody, a variation of Puer nobis nascitus (see No. 25 in this book [Unto Us Is Born A Son]).  Harmonized by the Rev. G. R. Woodward.

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 Enlarged Edition, 1929), Carol #21.

1. The Son of God is born for all
At Bethlehem in a cattle stall:
He lieth in a crib full small,
And wrapt in swaddling clothes withal.

2. Rejoice to-day for Jesu's sake,
Within your hearts His cradle make:
A shrine, wherein the Babe may take
His rest, in slumber or awake.

3. Beneath Him set His crib, of tree;
Let Hope the little mattress be,
His pillow Faith, full fair to see,
With coverlet of Charity.

4. In bodies pure and undefil'd
Prepare a chamber for the Child:
To Him give incense, myrrh and gold,
Nor raiment, meat and drink withhold.

5. Draw nigh, the Son of God to kiss.
Greet Mary's Child (the Lord He is)
Upon those lovely lips of His:
Jesus, your hearts' desire and bliss.

6. Come rock His cradle cheerily,
As doth His mother, so do ye,
Who nurs'd Him sweetly on her knee,
As told it was by prophecy.

7. By, by, lullay before Him sing;
Go, wind the horn, and pluck the string,
Till all the place with music ring;
And bid one prayer to Christ the King.

8. Thus, Babe, I minister to Thee,
E'en as Thine Angels wait on me:
Thy ruddy countenance I see,
And tiny hands outstretch'd to me.

9. Sleep, in my soul enshrinèd rest:
Here find Thy cradle neatly drest
Forsake me not, when sore distrest,
Emmanuel, my Brother blest.

10. Now chant we merrily io
With such as play in organo;
And with the singers in choro
Benedicamus Domino.

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 Enlarged Edition, 1929), Carol #21
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Melody, a variation of Puer nobis nascitus (see Unto Us Is Born A Son).  Harmonized by the Rev. G. R. Woodward.

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

Two new verses were added after verse 8:

9. Love on thy lips doth smiling play:
Thou art the Child alone whose way
'Tis to be blithe and gentle aye,
Full meek and mild to man and may.

10. Rest, softly rest, thou darling Boy:
My fairest One, my endless joy:
My solace always, Babe, thou art,
My one desire, my own sweetheart.

There were also these differences in the former verse 10 (now verse 12):

Now chant we merrily īo
With such as play in organo;
And with the singers in choro
Benedicamus Domino.

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