He smiles within his cradle,

A babe with face to bright

It beams most like a mirror

Against a blaze of light:

This babe so burning bright.


This babe we now declare to you

Is Jesus Christ, our Lord;

He brings both peace and heartiness:

Haste, haste with one accord

To feast with Christ our Lord.


And who would rock the cradle

Wherein this infant lies,

Must rock with easy motion

And watch with humble eyes,

Like Mary pure and wise.


O Jesus, dearest babe of all

And dearest babe of mine,

Thy love is great, thy limbs are small

O flood this heart of mine

With overflow from thine!