The Nativity of Jesus

Verse 1

We celebrate the praise to day, Of Godhead manifest in clay, And of a woman born! The promis'd Son to us is giv'n, The glories of indulgent heav'n, Our nature doth adorn.

Verse 2

Let it be told to distant lands, How softly wrapp'd in swaddling bands, And in a manger laid, Was he, whom we with joy confess, The glorious Lord, our righteousness! Born of a favour'd maid.

Verse 3

Long did the saints with ardour sigh To see his day, and thus did cry, Desire of nations come: More blest are we who see and prove, The fulness of the Father's love, The state of man, assume.

Verse 4

The Lord himself hath giv'n the sign Of richest grace, and love divine, Promise'd of old to man; How that a virgin should conceive: The wond'rous tidings we believe, And praise her first born son.