Cradled in a manger, meanly

Cradled in a manger, meanly,
Laid the Son of Man His head
Sleeping His first earthly slumber
Where the oxen had been fed.
Happy were those shepherds listening
To the holy angel's word
Happy they within that stable
Worshipping their infant Lord.

Happy all who hear the message
Of His coming from above
Happier still who hail His coming,
And with praises greet His love.
Blessed Savior, Christ most holy,
In a manger Thou didst rest
Canst Thou stoop again, yet lower,
And abide within my breast?

Evil things are there before Thee
In the heart, where they have fed,
Wilt Thou pitifully enter,
Son of Man, and lay Thy head?
Enter, then, O Christ most holy
Make a Christmas in my heart
Make a heaven of my manger:
It is heaven where Thou art.

And to those who never listened
To the message of Thy birth,
Who have winter, but no Christmas
Bringing them Thy peace on earth,
Send to these the joyful tidings
By all people, in each home,
Be there heard the Christmas anthem
Praise to God, the Christ has come!