The Cyber Hymnal ‎#3398

3398. Joseph Dearest

1. Joseph dearest, Joseph mine,
Help me cradle the child divine;
God reward thee and all that’s thine
In paradise, so prays the mother Mary.

Refrain
He came among us at Christmastide,
At Christmastide, in Bethlehem;
Men shall bring Him from far and wide
Love’s diadem: Jesus, Jesus,
Lo, He comes, and loves, and saves, and frees us!

2. Gladly, dear one, lady mine,
Help I cradle this child of thine;
God’s own light on us both shall shine
In paradise, as prays the mother Mary. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Joseph dearest, Joseph mine
• Title: Joseph Dearest
• Refrain First Line: He came among us at Christmastide
• Meter: 77.88 refrain
• Language: English
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Originally sung as a lullaby by the Virgin Mary in 16th Century "mystery" plays in Leipzig, Germany.

Tune Information

• Name: RESONET IN LAUDIBUS
• Composer: Anonymous (14th century)
• Harmonizer: Ralph Vaugh­an Will­iams (1906)
• Meter: 77.88 refrain
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: 14th Cen­tury Ger­man car­ol
• Copyright: Public Domain