The New English Hymnal ‎#39

39. Unto us a boy is born!

1 Unto us a boy is born!
King of all creation,
Came he to a world forlorn,
The Lord of every nation.

2 Cradled in a stall was he
With sleepy cows and asses;
But the very beasts could see
That he all men surpasses.

3 Herod then with fear was filled:
'A prince,' he said, 'in Jewry!'
And all the little boys he killed
At Bethlem in his fury.

4 Now may Mary's son, who came
So long ago to love us,
Lead us all with hearts aflame
Unto the joys above us.

5 Omega and Alpha he!
Let the organ thunder,
While the choir with peals of glee
Doth rend the air asunder.

Text Information

• First Line: Unto us a boy is born!
• Translator: Percy Dearmer, 1867-1936
• Meter: 76 77
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: The Christian Year: Christmas; Holy Innocents' Day
• Source: Latin, 15th century

Tune Information

• Name: PUER NOBIS
• Harmonizer: G. H. Palmer, 1846-1926
• Meter: 76 77
• Key: C Major
• Source: Piae Cantiones, 1582