Scripture Verse

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, for what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.@Matthew 1:20

Introduction

Words: Orig­in­al­ly, a lul­la­by sung by the Vir­gin Ma­ry in 16th Cen­tu­ry mys­te­ry plays in Leip­zig, Ger­ma­ny.

Music: Re­so­net in Lau­di­bus 14th Cen­tu­ry Ger­man ca­rol. Har­mo­ny by Ralph Vaugh­an Will­iams, 1906 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Ralph Vaughan Williams
(1872–1958)

Lyrics

Joseph dearest, Joseph mine,
Help me cradle the Child divine;
God reward thee and all that’s thine
In paradise, so prays the mother Mary.

Refrain

He came among us at Christmastide,
At Christmastide, in Bethlehem;
Men shall bring Him from far and wide
Love’s diadem: Jesus, Jesus,
Lo, He comes, and loves, and saves, and frees us!

Gladly, dear one, lady mine,
Help I cradle this Child of thine;
God’s own light on us both shall shine
In paradise, as prays the mother Mary.