Common Praise ‎#50

50. Dost thou in a manger lie

1 Dost thou in a manger lie,
who hast all created,
stretching infant hands on high,
Saviour, long awaited?
If a monarch, where thy state,
where thy court on thee to wait,
scepter, crown and sphere?
Here no regal pomp we see,
naught but need and penury:
why thus cradled here?

2 'For the world a love supreme
brought me to this stable;
all creation to redeem
I alone am able.
By this lowly birth of mine,
sinner, riches shall be thine,
matchless gifts and free;
willingly this yoke I take,
and this sacrifice I make,
heaping joys for thee.'

3 Christ we praise with voices bold,
laud and honour raising;
for these mercies manifold
join the hosts in praising:
Father, glory be to thee
for the wondrous charity
of thy Son, our Lord.
Better witness to thy worth,
purer praise than ours on earth.
angels' songs afford.

Text Information

• First Line: Dost thou in a manger lie
• Author: Jean Mauburn, 1460-1503
• Translator: Elizabeth Rundle Charles, 1828-1896
• Meter: 76 76 774 775
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  2 Corinthians 8:9
  ;
  Colossians 1:16
  ;
  Luke 2:6-7
• Topic: Christmas; Christmas II
• Notes: Other translators also

Tune Information

• Name: DIES EST LÆTITIÆ
• Harmonizer: Jack W. Burnam, b. 1946
• Meter: 76 76 774 775
• Key: F Major
• Source: Piae Cantiones, 1582
• Copyright: Harmony: copyright owner untraced