O Have You Heard the Wondrous Story

1 O have you heard the wondrous story,
And have you learned the news so blest?
The King of kings and Lord of glory
From heav'n descends to be our guest!
Behold in Bethlehem a mother
Beside her newborn Babe recline,
A little child like any other,
So human and yet all divine.

2 God's very Son comes down from heav'n
In man's poor flesh and blood to dwell,
A Savior by the Father given,
Glad cherubim the tidings tell.
O if this Child by angels cherished,
Had not appeared our race to save,
Mankind in sin and death had perished
As Satan's helpless, trembling slave.

3 Then, dearest Child, let me enfold Thee
And fondly draw Thee to my breast.
My heart's Delight, firm will I hold Thee,
In Thy great love forever blest.
Before Thy manger kneeling ever,
Thy poverty my wealth shall be,
Nor life nor death my love shall sever
From Thee until Thy face I see.

[Solo]
Christ-child, Christ-child,
Thy great love I prize,
Bring me, O bring me to sweet Paradise!
[All]
Bring me, O bring me to sweet Paradise!

Source: American Lutheran Hymnal #611