The New English Hymnal ‎#23

23. Behold the great Creator makes

1 Behold the great Creator makes
Himself a house of clay,
A robe of virgin flesh he takes
Which he will wear for ay.

2 Hark, hark, the wise eternal Word,
Like a weak infant cries!
In form of servant is the Lord,
And God in cradle lies.

3 This wonder struck the world amazed,
It shook the starry frame;
Squadrons of spirits stood and gazed,
Then down in troops they came.

4 Glad shepherds ran to view this sight;
A choir of angels sings,
And eastern sages with delight
Adore this King of kings.

5 Join then all hearts that are not stone,
And all our voices prove,
To celebrate this holy One,
The God of peace and love.

Text Information

• First Line: Behold the great Creator makes
• Author: Thomas Pestel, 1584-1659
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: The Christian Year: Christmas; The Christian Year: Epiphany

Tune Information

• Name: THIS ENDRIS NYGHT
• Meter: CM
• Key: D Major
• Source: English, 15th century Carol
• Copyright: By permission of Oxford University Press (from "English Hymnal")