Here come Thy little ones, O Lord

Here come Thy little ones, O Lord,
To Thee in Bethlehem adored.
Enlighten now our heart and mind
That we the way to Thee may find.

We hasten with a song to greet
And kneel before Thee at Thy feet.
O blessed hour, O sacred night,
When Thou wert born, our soul’s Delight!

Be welcome from Thy heavenly home
Unto this vale of tears and gloom,
Where man to Thee no honor gave
But stable, manger, cross and grave.

But Jesus, oh! how can it be
That but so few will think of Thee
And of that tender, wondrous love
Which drew Thee to us from above?

O draw us little children near
To Thee, our Friend and Brother dear,
That each of us so heartily
In faith and love may cling to Thee.

Let not the world lead us astray
That we our Christian faith betray,
But grant that all our longings be
Directed always unto Thee.

Then shall the happy day once come
When we shall gather in Thy home
And join the angels’ joyful throng
In praising Thee with triumph song.

We gather now about Thee close
Like leaves around the budding rose,
O grant us, Savior, that we may
Thus cluster round Thy throne for aye.

Source: Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark #43