Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.
Isaiah 9:6
Words: Christopher Wordsworth, The Holy Year (London: Rivingtons, 1862), number 8. In the 1863 edition, a doxology was added, and the hymn was divided into two parts, Pt. ii being, God comes down that man may rise.
Music: England’s Lane traditional English tune. Arranged by Geoffrey T. Shaw, 1919 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good photo of Shaw (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Sing, O sing, this blessèd morn,
Unto us a child is born,
Unto us a son is giv’n,
God Himself comes down from Heav’n.
Refrain
Sing, O sing, this blessèd morn,
Jesus Christ today is born.
Jesus Christ, the King of kings,
Maker of all worldly things,
Now descends from Heav’n to earth,
To restore us by His birth.
Refrain
God of God, and Light of Light,
Come with mercies infinite,
Joining in a wondrous plan
Heav’n to earth and God to man.
Refrain
God with us, Emmanuel,
Deigns for ever now to dwell;
And on Adam’s fallen race
Sheds the fullness of His grace.
Refrain
Truth and mercy show their face,
And with loving kiss embrace;
Righteousness looks down from Heav’n,
God is pleased, and man forgiv’n;
Refrain
God comes down that man may rise,
Lifted by Him to the skies;
He is Son of Man that we
By Him sons of God may be.
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Human flesh is now become
Christ’s abode, the Godhead’s home;
Royal palace, sacred shrine
For the Majesty Divine.
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Now we rise, from prison free;
Now we march to victory,
Flags of triumph are unfurled;
’Tis the birthday of the world:
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Now behold the rising sun
Has his glorious race begun;
Now the Bridegroom from above
Weds the bride, with heav’nly love;
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O renew us, Lord, we pray,
With Thy Spirit day by day,
That we ever one may be
With the Father and with Thee.
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Glory to the Father give,
And to the Son in whom we live;
Glory to the Spirit be,
Godhead one, and Persons three.
Refrain