Scripture Verse

Let the little children to come to Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14

Introduction

illustration
Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871

Words & Mu­sic: Sam­u­el C. Ha­mer­ton. Ap­peared as a car­ol pub­lished by Mas­ters, 1861 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Ha­mer­ton (head-and-shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Waken! Christian children,
Up and let us sing,
With glad voice the praises
Of our newborn king.

Up! ’tis meet to welcome
With a joyous lay
Christ, the King of Glory,
Born for us today.

Come, nor fear to seek Him,
Children though we be;
Once He said of children,
Let them come to Me.

In a manger lowly
Sleeps the heav’nly Child;
O’er Him fondly bendeth
Mary, mother mild.

Far above that stable,
Up in Heav’n so high,
One bright star out-shineth,
Watching silently.

Fear not then to enter,
Though we cannot bring
Gold, or myrrh, or incense
Fitting for a king.

Gifts He asketh richer,
Offerings costlier still,
Yet may Christian children
Bring them if they will.

Brighter than all jewels
Shines the modest eye;
Best of gifts He loveth
Infant purity.

Haste we then to welcome
With a joyous lay
Christ, the King of Glory,
Born for us today.