1. Once a little baby lay Cradled on the fragrant hay, Long ago on Christmas; Stranger bed a babe ne’er found, Wond’ring cattle stood around Long ago on Christmas, Long ago on Christmas.
2. By the shining vision taught Shepherds for the Christ child sought, Long ago on Christmas; Guided in a starlit way, Wise men came their gifts to pay, Long ago on Christmas, Long ago on Christmas.
3. And today the whole glad earth, Praises God for that Child’s birth, Long ago on Christmas, For the Light, the Truth, the Way, Came to bless the earth that day, Long ago on Christmas, Long ago on Christmas.