Long Years Ago in Bethlehem

Long years ago in Beth­le­hem

The gen­tle mo­ther mild

Held close against her hap­py breast

The lit­tle Christ­mas Child;

From Heav’n the an­gels lean­ing sang

Good will and peace on earth!

And king and shep­herd

side by side

Hailed the Christ-Child’s birth.

Ah

let the love which made that day

So won­drous sweet and pure

Make glad and bless this Christ­mas tide

Alike for rich and poor.

Then may we hear the an­gel song

Which He

the un­de­filed

Heard for His first sweet cra­dle song

Jesus the Christ­mas Child.