Scripture Verse

Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:1–2

Introduction

Words: From Christ­mas Ca­rols, by James M. Mc­Laugh­lin (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts: Ginn & Com­pa­ny, 1915), num­ber 1.

Music: Ar­ranged from Ed­vard H. Grieg (1843–1907) (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Edvard H. Grieg
1843–1907

Lyrics

Good day and welcome, dear Christmas tree!
To young and old bringing peace and pleasure,
’Mid glow and glimmer and children’s glee,
’Bove fruits and flags shines a bright star golden.
That star shall guide us, whate’er betide us,
Tow’rd God on high!

’Twas Christmastide in the Eastern land
When God His star in the heavens kindled,
That all might know, to the farthest strand,
To earth that night He had sent child Jesus.
O wondrous story, what light and glory
In Bethlehem!

At twilight hour in the long ago
Our mother taught us the heav’nly message,
That Jesus brought to all men below,
Those hours and words can ne’er be forgotten.
Those mem’ries sainted thou bring’st untainted,
O Christmas tree!