Behold The Great Creator Makes

For Christmas

Words: Rev. Thomas Pestell (circa 1584-1659). Pestel was a chaplain to King Charles I.

Music: "This Endris Nyght," 15th Century
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Alternate: Kilmarnock
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Meter: CM

1. Behold the great Creator makes
Himself a house of clay,
A robe of virgin flesh He takes
Which He will wear for ay.

2. Hark, hark, the wise eternal Word,
Like a weak infant cries!
In form of servant is the Lord,
And God in cradles lies.

3. This wonder struck the world amazed,
It shook the starry frame;
Squadrons of spirits stood and gazed,
Then down in troops they came.

4. Glad shepherds ran to view this sight;
A choir of angels sings,
And eastern sages with delight
Adore this King of kings.

5. Join then, all hearts that are not stone,
And all our voices prove,
To celebrate this holy One
The God of peace and love.

Sheet Music to "This Endris Night" from Martin Shaw and Percy Dearmer, The English Carol Book, Second Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd., 1913), Carol #51
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Note:

Excerpted from stanzas 5-9 of Pestell's Psalm for Christmas Day Morning, appearing first in his Sermons and Devotions Old and New (1659). The first line of the Psalm was "Fairest of morning lights appear." See also Fairest of Morning Lights, Appear and O Fairest Morning Light, Appear.

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