When Christ Was Born in Bethlehem (Housman)

When Christ was born in Beth­le­hem

Fair peace on earth to bring

In low­ly state of love He came

To be the child­ren’s king.

And round Him

then

a ho­ly band

Of child­ren blest was born

Fair guard­ians of His throne to stand

Attendant night and morn.

And un­to them this grace was giv’n

A Sav­ior’s name to own

And die for Him who out of Heav’n

Had found on earth a throne.

O bless­èd babes of Beth­le­hem

Who died to save our king

Ye share the mar­tyrs’ dia­dem

And in their an­them sing!

Your lips

on earth that nev­er spake

Now sound th’eter­nal word;

And in the courts of love ye make

Your child­ren’s voic­es heard.

Lord Je­sus Christ

eter­nal child

Make Thou our child­hood Thine;

That we with Thee the meek and mild

May share the love di­vine.