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When Christ was born in Bethlehem,
Fair peace on earth to bring,
In lowly state of love he came
To be the children's King.
A mother's heart was there his throne,
His orb a maiden's breast,
Whereby he made through love alone
His kingdom manifest.
And round him, then, a holy band
Of children blest was born,
Fair guardians of his throne to stand
Attendant night and morn.
And unto them this grace was given
A Saviour's name to own,
And die for him who out of heaven
Had found on earth a throne.
O blessed babes of Bethlehem,
Who died to save our King,
You share the martyr's diadem,
And in their anthem sing!
Your lips, on earth that never spake,
Now sound the eternal word;
And in the courts of love you make
Your children's voices heard.
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Child,
Make thou our childhood thine;
That we with these the meek and mild
May share the love divine.