Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#608

608. Once in royal David's city

1 Once in royal David's city
Stood a lowly cattle-shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for His bed;
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.

2 And through all His wondrous childhood,
He would honour and obey,
Love and watch the lowly mother
In whose gentle arms He lay:
Christian children all should be
Mild, obedient, good as He.

3 For He is our childhood's pattern,
Day by day like us He grew,
He was little, weak and helpless,
Tears and smile, like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.

4 Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in heaven,
Set at God's right hand on high;
When like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around.

Text Information

• First Line: Once in royal David's city
• Author: Mrs. Cecil Frances Alexander, 1823-1895
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Jesus (See also Christ): Child, the; Bethlehem: Christ born in; Christmas Hymns; For the Young

Tune Information

• Name: IRBY
• Composer: Dr. H. J. Gauntlett, 1805-1876
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.7
• Key: G Major or modal