Thy Little Ones, O Savior Dear

1 Thy little ones, O Savior dear,
To Thee in Bethlehem draw near;
Enlighten Thou our soul and mind
That we the way to Thee may find.

2 We hasten Thee with songs to greet
And kiss the dust before Thy feet.
O sacred hour, O blessed night!
When Thou wert born, our soul's Delight.

3 Be welcome from Thy heav'nly spheres
To this our earthly vale of tears,
Where men to Thee no glory gave
But stable, manger, cross and grave.

4 O Jesus dear, how can it be
That only few will think of Thee
And of that great and wondrous love
Which drew Thee to us from above.

5 Lord, draw Thy little children near
To Thee, our Friend and Brother dear,
That each of us, by Thy sweet grace,
May Thee in faith and hope embrace.

6 Let not the world lead us astray,
That we our Christian faith betray,
But grant that all our longings be,
O Lord, forever unto Thee.

7 Then shall at last we,too, proclaim
In Paradise Thy glorious name,
And with Thy saints our songs renew
And praise Thee as the angels do.

8 Now, gathered here, a happy throng,
We lift our voice to Thee in song;
Oh, that in yonder, happy land
We all before Thy throne may stand.

Source: Hymnal for Church and Home (2nd ed.) #367