Waken Christian Children

Waken! christian children,
Up and let us sing,
With glad voice the praises
Of our newborn king.

Up! ’tis meet to welcome
With a joyous lay
Christ, the king of glory,
Born for us today.

Come, nor fear to seek him,
Children though we be;
Once he said of children,
“let them come to me.”

In a manger lowly
Sleeps the heav’nly child;
O’er him fondly bendeth
Mary, mother mild.

Far above that stable,
Up in heav’n so high,
One bright star out-shineth,
Watching silently.

Fear not then to enter,
Though we cannot bring
Gold, or myrrh, or incense
Fitting for a king.

Gifts he asketh richer,
Offerings costlier still,
Yet may christian children
Bring them if they will.

Brighter than all jewels
Shines the modest eye;
Best of gifts he loveth
Infant purity.

Haste we then to welcome
With a joyous lay
Christ, the king of glory,
Born for us today.