They came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
Luke 2:16
Words: William C. Wilbor, Ode to Niagara and Other Poems (New York: Eaton & Mains, 1911), page 26, alt.
Music: Italian Hymn Felice de Giardini, in The Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes Sung at the Chapel of the Lock Hospital, 1769 (🔊 pdf nwc).
To Christ in Bethlehem
Joyful the wise men came,
Led by the star;
Kneeling in reverent prayer,
Rich gifts they offered there:
Frankincense, gold, and myrrh,
Brought from afar.
To Christ in manger laid
Shepherds their homage paid,
By angels sent;
Leaving their flock afield,
Their service glad to yield,
To wondering men revealed
His great advent.
In every circling year,
Are told the tidings dear
Of star and song;
To Christ, our glorious king,
Our hearts and gifts we bring,
Join all His name to sing,
His praise prolong.