A Child This Day Is Born

For Christmas

Version 4

Compare:
A Child This Day Is Born (Hutchins)
A Child This Day is Born (Bramley & Stainer)
A Child This Day Is Born - Sandys

Words: Traditional

Music: Traditional

Source: Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 1, p. 4.

1. A child this day is born,
A child of high renown,
Most worthy of a sceptre,
A sceptre and a crown.

After each verse.

Noel, Noel, Noel,
Glad tidings sing we may,
Because our Prophet, Priest and King
Was born on this glad day.

2. This news the shepherds heard
Watching their flocks by night,
An angel told it unto them
In vision clear and bright. Noel, &c.

3. They saw a host on high,
In saintly robes arrayed,
And heard, “Go ye to Bethlehem,
And be ye not afraid.” Noel, &c.

4. This day your Lord is born,
Your King Emmanuel,
The promised Saviour of the world,
Shall ransom Israel. Noel, &c.

5. The shepherds joyful sped
To Bethlehem straightway,
So full of joy they hasten on
Chanting this sacred lay. Noel, &c.

6. All glory be to God
Who reigns enthroned on high,
Good-will to men and peace on earth,
O wondrous melody! Noel, &c.

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 1, p. 4.

 

Also found in Edgar Pettman, ed., Modern Christmas Carols (London: Weekes & Co., 1892), #1:

Note:

Pettman has this same note for this carol in both collections: "No collection of carols can be considered complete if it excludes this old and spirited tune. The last six notes of the bass should be sung an octave higher for every repetition of the chorus. Verses 3 and 5 to be sung by the Trebles only."

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