The Child Jesus

Welcome that Star in Judah's sky,
That voice o'er Bethlehem's palmy glen
The lamp, far sages hailed on high,
The tones that thrill'd the shepherd men :

Glory to God in highest heaven !
Thus Angels smote the echoing chord ;
Glad tidings unto man forgiven !
Peace from the presence of the Lord !

The Shepherds sought that Birth divine,
The Wise Men traced their guided way ;
There by strange light and mystic sign,
The God they came to worship lay.

A human Babe in beauty smiled,
Where lowing oxen round Him trod :
A maiden clasped her Awful Child,
Pure offspring of the breath of God.

Those voices from on high are mute ;
The Star the Wise Men saw is dim ;
But Hope still guides the wanderer's foot,
And Faith renews the angel-hymn :

Glory to God in loftiest heaven !
Touch with glad hand the ancient chord ;
Good tidings unto man forgiven,
Peace from the presence of the Lord !