Before the Paling of the Stars
Before the winter morn,Before the earliest cock crow,Jesus Christ was born:Born in a stable,Cradled in a manger,In the world his hands had madeBorn a stranger.
Priest and king lay fast asleepIn Jerusalem;Young and old lay fast asleepIn crowded Bethlehem;Saint and angel, ox and ass,Kept a watch togetherBefore the Christmas daybreakIn the winter weather.
Jesus on his mother's breastIn the stable cold,Spotless lamb of God was he,Shepherd of the fold:Let us kneel with Mary maid,With Joseph bent and hoary,With saint and angel, ox and ass,To hail the King of Glory.
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