A babe lies in the cradle

A babe lies in the cradle,
a little babe so dear,
with noble light he shineth
as shines a mirror clear,
this little babe so dear.

The babe within the cradle
is Jesus Christ our Lord;
to us all peace and amity
at this good time afford,
thou Jesus Christ our Lord!

Whoso would rock the cradle
where lies the gentle child,
a lowly heart must lead him,
by passions undefiled,
as Mary pure and mild.

O Jesus, babe beloved!
O Jesus, babe divine!
How mighty is thy wondrous love!
Fill thou this heart of mine
with that great love of thine!

Words: German, in Corner's Geistliche Nachtigal, 1649
trans. Paul England

Music: Corner

Meter: Irregular

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.