…wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:12
Words: William D. Springett, in Modern Christmas Carols, by Edgar Pettman (London: Weekes & Company, 1892), page 13.
Music: Pettman Edgar Pettman (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Springett or Pettman (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Who is this babe so lowly,
Here laid in a manger bed,
Room in the inn denied Him,
But cradled in cattle shed?
This is the Lord Almighty,
Messiah Savior king,
Whose praises holy angels
With ceaseless worship sing!
Who is this Babe so tender,
To toil and suffering born,
Whom men will treat unkindly,
With cruelty and scorn?
This is the Lord Almighty,
Whom hosts in Heav’n adore,
Who with His word could scatter
His foes forevermore!
Who is this Babe so gentle,
This Babe, so pure and sweet,
Who wears a smile so loving,
His visitors to greet?
This is our only Savior,
Who deigns on earth to come
That He may open for us
The great eternal home.