Words: Au­thor un­known, from a 15th Cen­tu­ry man­u­script from Tri­er, Ger­ma­ny (Pu­er no­bis nas­ci­tur); trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by .

Music: Ful­ton, from Pu­er No­bis Nas­ci­tur, Trier man­u­script, 15th Cen­tu­ry, adapt­ed by , 1609.


Unto us a Child is born,
Christians, hear the story;
In this world our flesh is worn,
By Christ, the Lord of glory.

In a manger He is laid,
Where the kine are sleeping;
Angels recognize their Lord,
And o’er Him watch are keeping.

Haughty Herod trembles now,
Great his fear and sorrow;
Bethl’em’s infants he will slay
Before the dawn tomorrow.

Jesu, born of virgin maid,
In Thy visitation
Show Thy mercy, Lord, on us,
And grant us Thy salvation.

Alpha and Omega, Thine
Be this day our chorus;
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
Now let Thy grace be o’er us.


Latin