For the tenth text of Christmas, this blogger gives to thee…
This Polish carol, translated in the early twentieth century, is a reflection on the humble birth of Jesus. It repeats its simple gospel message at the end of each verse: Jesus the Lord came to Earth for you!
Infant holy, infant lowly,
for his bed a cattle stall;
oxen lowing, little knowing
Christ the babe is Lord of all.
Swiftly winging angels singing,
bells are ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the babe is Lord of all!
Christ the babe is Lord of all!
Flocks were sleeping; shepherds keeping
vigil till the morning new
saw the glory, heard the story,
tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,
praises voicing, greet the morrow:
Christ the babe was born for you!
Christ the babe was born for you!
A simple choral setting
A modern arrangement