Lyrics by Joseph Simpson Cook
If there was a Christmas carol that could be claimed by the Methodist Church, this would be the one. Written by Joseph S. Cook in 1919, the hymn won a 1919 contest of the Methodist weekly Christian Guardian (Hugh McKellar, DNAH Archives). Although a prize-winning hymn, the words of this hymn remind us again of the humble origins of our Christ.
1. Gentle Mary Laid Her Child lowly in a manger. There He lay, the undefiled to the world a stranger. Such a Babe in such a place, can he be our Savior? Ask the saved of all the race who have found his favor.
Once again among our glittery, noisy celebration of this holiday season, we are reminded that the birth of Christ was simple, humble, and quiet. Do we take the time during this season to cease the busyness of the world and think about our savior coming to the earth in such a humble manor?
2. Angels sang about His birth, Wise men sought and found Him. Heaven’s star shone brightly forth glory all around Him. Shepherds saw the wondrous sight, heard the angels singing: All the plains were lit that night, all the hills were ringing.
Christ birth was simple, quiet, and humble but God held a celebration for this His son, if we had just looked and listened. Angels sang and a star shown, but the persons who were given a special invitation to witness these glories were humble shepherds and wise men who quietly had observed His star.
3. Gentle Mary laid her Child lowly in the manger. He is still the undefiled, but no more a stranger. Son of God of humble birth, beautiful the story. Praise His Name in all the earth, Hail the King of Glory.
Today we know the meaning of His birth, our salvation, but do we listen and look for the messages God is sending us? Would we have been aware enough to hear the angels and see the star?
Lord, let us listen and hear, let us look and see your messages to us.
—Angela Baker
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