You help make Hymnary.org possible. More than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources and encouragement on Hymnary.org in 2025, including you. Every visit affirms the global impact of this ministry.

If Hymnary has been meaningful to you this year, would you take a moment today to help sustain it? A gift of any size—paired with a note of encouragement if you wish—directly supports the server costs, research work and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org
Calvin University
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for your partnership, and may the hope of Advent fill your heart.

185. Dear Little Stranger

1 Low in a manger - dear little Stranger,
Jesus the wonderful Savior, was born;
There was none to receive Him, none to believe Him,
None but the angels were watching that morn.

Chorus:
Dear little Stranger, slept in a manger,
No downy pillow under His head;
But with the poor He slumbered secure,
The dear little Babe in His bed.

2 Angels descending, over Him bending
Chanted a tender and silent refrain;
Then a wonderful story told of His glory,
Unto the shepherds on Bethlehem's plain. [Chorus]

3 Dear little Stranger, born in a manger,
Maker and Monarch, and Savior of all;
I will love Thee forever! grieve Thee? no, never!
Thou didst for me make Thy bed in a stall. [Chorus]

Text Information
First Line: Low in a manger - dear little Stranger
Title: Dear Little Stranger
Author: C. H. G.
Refrain First Line: Dear little Stranger, slept in a manger
Language: English
Publication Date: 1916
Topic: Children's Songs
Copyright: Copyright, 1900, by E.O. Excell. Words and Music.
Notes: Public Domain.
Tune Information
Name: [Low in a manger, dear little Stranger]
Composer: Chas. H. Gabriel
Key: G Major
Copyright: Copyright, 1900, by E.O. Excell. Words and Music.
Notes: Public Domain.



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.