On this night, most holy, in circumstance lowly,
Unfolded the story which prophets foretold.
Though heav’ns could not hold Him, Mary’s arms enfold Him,
Holding to her bosom this Child Who is God!
The virgin is nursing this wondrous infant King—
The Word that was made flesh to end our despair.
While angels adore Him, shepherds kneel before Him
And kings from the east follow after His star.

To Bethlehem hasten! See Jesus awaken!
The stable is glowing with this Light of lights!
Come hear the great story of God’s crowning glory:
The Savior Incarnate—God with us unites.
Now church bells are ringing and Christians are singing
While off’ring their gifts in devotion and love.
Your people are waiting and anticipating
The day You return from the heavens above.

See the destined day arise!
See a willing sacrifice!
Jesus, to redeem our loss,
Hangs upon the shameful cross.

Jesus, who but Thou had borne,
Lifted on that tree of scorn,
Every pang and bitter throe,
Finishing Thy life of woe?

Who but Thou had dared to drain,
Steeped in gall, the cup of pain,
And with tender body bear
Thorns, and nails, and piercing spear?

Thence the cleansing water flowed,
Mingled from Thy side with blood;
Sign to all attesting eyes
Of the finished sacrifice.

Holy Jesus, grant us peace
In that sacrifice to place
All our trust for life renewed,
Pardoned sin and promised good.

Grant us grace to sing to Thee,
In the Trinal Unity,
Ever with the sons of light,
Blessing, honor, glory, might.

Jesus, from whom all blessings flow,
Great Builder of Thy church below,
If now Thy Spirit moves my breast,
Hear, and fulfill Thine own request!

The few that truly call Thee Lord,
And wait Thy sanctifying word,
And Thee their utmost Savior own,
Unite, and perfect them in one.

O let them all Thy mind express,
Stand forth Thy chosen witnesses,
Thy power unto salvation show,
And perfect holiness below!

In them let all mankind behold
How Christians lived in days of old,
Mighty their envious foes to move,
A proverb of reproach—and love.

From every sinful wrinkle free,
Redeemed from all iniquity,
The fellowship of saints make known;
And, O my God, might I be one!

O might my lot be cast with these,
The least of Jesu’s witnesses!
O that my Lord would count me meet
To wash His dear disciples’ feet!

This only thing do I require:
Thou knowest ’tis all my heart’s desire
Freely what I receive to give,
The servant of Thy church to live;

After my lowly Lord to go,
And wait upon Thy saints below;
Enjoy the grace to angels given,
And serve the royal heirs of Heaven.

Lord, if I now Thy drawings feel,
And ask according to Thy will,
Confirm the prayer, the seal impart,
And speak the answer to my heart.