  N NOW when Joseph and Mary Were to Bethlehem bound, They with travelling were weary, Yet no lodging they found In the city of David, Tho’ they sought o’er all; They, alas! could not have it, But in an oxes stall. The place was no braver But as mean as might be, Our Redeemer and Saviour, Then the sweet Babe of Heaven Was born there we find, Whose sweet life was once given For the sins of mankind. Whilst the shepherds were feeding Of their flocks in the fields, The birth of our Saviour Unto them was revealed; Many angels assembling, In their glory appeared, Whilst the shepherds were trembling, Being smitten with fear. O forbear to be fearful, We have reason to sing; Then rejoice and be chearful, We glad tidings do bring: There is born in the city Of David, therefore, Such a Saviour of pity, Whom we all do adore. He’s the Prince of Salvation, Then be not afraid, And with this salutation To the shepherds they said, Be no longer a stranger, For in mean swadling clothes He is laid in a manger; Being resolved together They to Bethlehem go, And when they came thither They found it was so; They with duty adore him, Coming where he was laid— Strait they fell down before him, This obedience they made. Nay, the wise men, whose prudence Had discovered the star, Came to pay their obedience When they travell’d from far; Bringing with them the choicest That their land did afford, Of gold, myrrh, and spices, To present to the Lord. Their example engages Every Christian to be, Ever since in all ages, Both noble and free; Then rejoice and be merry, In a moderate way, Never, never be weary, To honour this day. Which afforded a blessing To the race of mankind, Far beyond all expressing Whilst on earth he was dwelling, He was still doing good, Nay, his love more excelling, For he shed his own blood. To redeem us and save us From the guilt of our sins, For His love he would have us A new life to begin; Then remember the season, Be you kind to the poor, It’s no more than is reason, We have blessings in store. |
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