A holy guest from Hea­ven’s gate
One morn in days now olden,
Came down to earth in lowly state
Amid the starlight golden;
Angelic messengers of peace
Sang praise and welcome holy
Unto the Prince who brought release
To mighty and to lowly.

Refrain

No room for Je­sus in the inn,
The King of earth and Hea­ven;
Today He knocketh at thy heart,
What answer shall be given?

Yet while He came with blessing sweet,
With love and mercy’s story,
No kingly courtiers thought it meet
To show Him earthly glo­ry;
No room was found within the inn,
No welcome for this stranger;
The Christ, who suffered for our sin,
Was cradled in a manger.

Refrain

The message of this Holy One
Still through the world is ringing;
From eastern land to setting sun
The earth His praise is singing;
Oh, troubled heart, this message hear,
Oh, list the wondrous story;
The Babe, once born in Bethlehem,
Is now the King of glo­ry.

Refrain

Come, lay thy burdens at His feet,
Come, trust Him in thy sorrow;
Come, while the Mas­ter bids thee come,
Delay not till the morrow;
Within thy heart, oh, give Him room,
Prepare for His abiding;
Sweet peace and comfort thou shalt know
In Christ while safely hiding.

Refrain