1. O Lord, the King of glory!
O great and mighty King!
The pilgrim old and hoary,
May tribute to thee bring;
Manhood with harvest laden
may matrons lead to see
Each glowing youth and maiden
Their gleanings bring to thee.
But that which most rejoices thee and the host above,
Is when children lift their voices,
And sing the Saviour's love.
2. O Lord, the King of glory!
O great and mighty King!
The hills, tho' old and hoary,
May clap their hands and sing;
The wand'ring waves of ocean
May sway to music sweet;
The darkest world's devotion
May thy approval meet,
But that which most rejoices thee and the host above,
Is when children lift their voices,
And sing the Saviour's love.
3. O Lord, the King of glory!
O great and mighty King!
The stars may tell their story,
The heav'nly choirs may sing;
The elders thee adoring
May kneel before the throne;
Cherub and seraph soaring
May chant the praise thine own.
But that which most rejoices thee and the host above,
Is when children lift their voices,
And sing the Saviour's love.
4. O Lord, the King of glory!
O great and mighty King!
We love to hear the story
Of him to whom we cling.
Still in his arms he raises
And smiles as once he smiled
On all who sing thy praises
As sings a little child.
For that which most rejoices thee and the host above,
Is when children lift their voices,
And sing the Saviour's love.
Source: Carols of Hope: a compilation of select sacred songs for use in Sunday schools, praise and young people's services #14