The Night of the Star: A Christmas Cycle

When Jesus Christ, a little child 
in Bethlehem, was born,
There shone a star across the wild 
more glorious than the morn.
It glow'd and gleam'd it blazed and beam'd 
Above the lonely hill;
Ah, blessed star of Bethlehem,
It lights the nations still
Ah, star of Bethlehem.
When Jesus Christ, a little child 
in Bethlehem, was born,
Ah, blessed star of Bethlehem.

Lo, the Infant holy in the manger lies;
See, the shepherds lowly, 
Gaze with rev'rent eyes.
Mark the mother Mary, 
say, ah, can she Him, her God, her Baby
Nail'd upon the tree?

Silently with clasped hands, 
By the manger Joseph stands,
O'er the infant in the straw,
Watching with a holy awe.
Guardian of the Mother mild,
Guardian of the Holy child
Artisan to whom is giv'n
Knowledge of the things of Heav'n
Lowly one who knows and sees
God's eternal mysteries.

When Christ, a little Babe was born in Bethlehem,
Oh, years and years ago!
With voices sweet the angel came to Bethlehem, 
And sang the Infant Jesus' name,
Oh, years and years ago!
With hasty steps the shepherds went to Bethlehem.
And low before their savior bend,
Oh, years and years ago!
Ah, would I had been there to see, in Bethlehem,
The Babe upon this Mother's knee.
Oh, years and years ago!
An would I had been there to hold, in Bethlehem,
My cloak between Him and cold,
Oh, years and years ago.
Between Him and the cold.