Scripture Verse

Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Introduction

Words: James Barm­by, 19th Cen­tu­ry. The ear­li­est pub­li­ca­tion date we have found for this ca­rol is 1893.

Music: John Swire (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Barm­by or Swire (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Now dies in David’s city
The world’s discordant din,
And slumber lulls the tumult
In Bethl’em’s crowded inn.

Refrain

What means that music ringing
From Heav’n at early morn?
Heard ye an angel singing,
The Christ, the Lord, is born?
Heard ye an angel singing,
The Christ, the Lord, is born?

The world was dull of hearing
To music from on high:
But shepherds heard the angels
Beneath the bending sky.

Refrain

For Joseph and for Mary
There was no room at all:
The busy world could find them
No shelter but a stall.

Refrain

But for God’s holy pilgrim
There needs no lordly bed:
For lo! an endless glo­ry
Beams from that lowly shed.

Refrain