come children raise your voices

come, children; raise your voices!
the king of love comes from above,
the heavenly host rejoices.

the babe lies in the manger;
god seeks his own, by angels known,
but unto men a stranger.

though weak and helpless lying,
from him is giv’n through earth and heav’n
new life, and peace undying.

but who on earth do greet him?
a shepherd band with staff in hand
sets forth by night to meet him.

and lo! from eastward riding
the wise men three; the star they see,
and follow it confiding.

oh, hope of all the ages!
may we find grace to claim our place
where shepherds kneel and sages.