‘Before the Paling of the Stars’
(Lyra Messianica, 1864.)
Before the paling of the stars,Before the winter morn,Before the earliest cockcrowJesus Christ was born:Born in a stable,Cradled in a manger,In the world His hands had madeBorn a stranger.
Priest and king lay fast asleepIn Jerusalem, 10Young and old lay fast asleepIn crowded Bethlehem:Saint and Angel, ox and ass,Kept a watch together,Before the Christmas daybreakIn the winter weather.
Jesus on His Mother’s breastIn the stable cold,Spotless Lamb of God was He,Shepherd of the fold: 20Let us kneel with Mary maid,With Joseph bent and hoary,With Saint and Angel, ox and ass,To hail the King of Glory.