Christ's Birth in Humble Circumstances - All Songs

The next set of songs all refer to the nativity scene itself - the newborn baby laid in a manger surrounded by animals and other admirers.

"The Snow Lay on the Ground"

Scriptures

Matthew 1:18-21 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Luke 1:1-7 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And Mary brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Lyrics

The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright, when Christ our Lord was born on Christmas night. Venite adoremus Dominum (O come let us adore him, the Lord)

Saint Joseph too was by to tend the Child, to guard him, and protect his mother mild. 

The angels hovered round and sang this song: Venite adoremus Dominum.

"Gesù Bambino"

Lyrics

(translation of the 1st verse)
In a humble hut, in cold and poverty, the Holy infant is born, who the world will adore. Hosanna, hosanna, sing with a joyous heart, your shepherds and angels, O King of light and love.

(English version of the 2nd verse)
Again the heart with rapture glows to greet the holy night, that gave the world its Christmas Rose, its King of Love and Light. Let ev'ry voice acclaim His name, the grateful chorus swell. From paradise to earth He came that we with Him might dwell.

"The Birthday of a King"

Lyrics

In the little village of Bethlehem,there lay a Child one day. And the sky was bright with a holy light o'er the place where Jesus lay.

Alleluia! O how the angels sang. Alleluia! How it rang! And the sky was bright with a holy light, 'Twas the birthday of a King.

'Twas a humble birth-place, but oh how much God gave to us that day. From the manger bed what a path has led! What a perfect, holy way.

"Petite Noel"

Lyrics

The night is dark with snow descending. Bells gayly chime a festal song! The Christ is born! His mother bending o'er him smiles upon his face sublime. No warm, white cov'ring in the manger to keep the Babe from bitter cold; Only the cobwebs for the stranger from rafters high they hang gray and old. He on the fragrant hay is sleeping, warmed by the breath of friendly cow. The oxen gentle watch are keeping around the little child divine. The snow upon the roof piles higher, but Heaven opened where it fell. Hark! All in white the angel choir to shepherds sing, Noel! Noel!

"Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"

This Polish carol dates back hundreds of years, though it wasn't translated into English until 1920. Those of you who have attended Primary singing time for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will recognize the tune from a song with a different title and different lyrics - "Stars Were Gleaming."

Lyrics

Infant holy,
Infant lowly,
For His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing,
Little knowing
Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging
Angels singing,
Noels ringing,
Tidings bringing,
Christ the Babe is Lord of all.

Flocks were sleeping,
Shepherds keeping
Vigil till the morning new,;
Saw the glory,
Heard the story,
Tidings of a Gospel true.
Thus rejoicing,
Free from sorrow,
Praises voicing,
Greet the morrow,
Christ the Babe was born for you!

"Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine

"

If I could have only learned one new song this year, this would have been it. Last year I watched a lovely recording of a mezzo soprano singing this song while rocking her violinist's baby boy. It was so sweet and beautiful that I knew it had to be the next Christmas song I learned. I looked up the sheet music and found I could spend $7 on a copy of this song or buy a book it's in for $12. I went with the book option figuring I'd find enough other songs to make it worth the extra $5. I've already posted three other songs from it ("O Come Little Children," "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly," and "Coventry Carol"). It was a good buy!

Lyrics

"Joseph, Dearest Joseph mine,
Help me cradle the Child divine.
God reward thee and all that’s thine,
In paradise," so prays the virgin Mary.

"Gladly dear one, Lady mine
Help I cradle this Child divine"
"God’s own light on us both shall shine,
In paradise," as prays the mother Mary.

He came among us at Christmas time
At Christmas time in Bethlehem
Men shall praise him from far and wide,
Love’s diadem
Jesu, Jesu
Lo, he comes and loves and saves and frees us.