Scripture Verse

Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. Isaiah 9:6

Introduction

illustration
Adoration of the Shepherds

Words: Chris­to­pher Words­worth, The Ho­ly Year (Lon­don: Riv­ing­tons, 1862), num­ber 8. In the 1863 edi­tion, a dox­o­lo­gy was add­ed, and the hymn was di­vid­ed in­to two parts, Pt. ii be­ing, God comes down that man may rise.

Music: Eng­land’s Lane tra­di­tion­al Eng­lish tune. Ar­ranged by Geoffrey T. Shaw, 1919 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Shaw (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Christopher Wordsworth
1807–1885

Lyrics

Sing, O sing, this blessèd morn,
Unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is giv’n,
God Himself comes down from Heav’n.

Refrain

Sing, O sing, this blessèd morn,
Jesus Christ today is born.

Jesus Christ, the King of kings,
Maker of all worldly things,
Now descends from Heav’n to earth,
To restore us by His birth.

Refrain

God of God, and Light of Light,
Come with mercies infinite,
Joining in a wondrous plan
Heav’n to earth and God to man.

Refrain

God with us, Emmanuel,
Deigns for ever now to dwell;
And on Adam’s fallen race
Sheds the fullness of His grace.

Refrain

Truth and mercy show their face,
And with loving kiss embrace;
Righteousness looks down from Heav’n,
God is pleased, and man forgiv’n;

Refrain

God comes down that man may rise,
Lifted by Him to the skies;
He is Son of Man that we
By Him sons of God may be.

Refrain

Human flesh is now become
Christ’s abode, the Godhead’s home;
Royal palace, sacred shrine
For the Majesty Divine.

Refrain

Now we rise, from prison free;
Now we march to victory,
Flags of triumph are unfurled;
’Tis the birthday of the world:

Refrain

Now behold the rising sun
Has his glorious race begun;
Now the Bridegroom from above
Weds the bride, with heav’nly love;

Refrain

O renew us, Lord, we pray,
With Thy Spirit day by day,
That we ever one may be
With the Father and with Thee.

Refrain

Glory to the Father give,
And to the Son in whom we live;
Glory to the Spirit be,
Godhead one, and Persons three.

Refrain