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, Gladden 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.