Look who gathers at Christ's cradle!

Look who gathers at Christ's cradle! Who beholds the Savior-child?

See his mother hovering o'er him, by his newborn charms beguiled.

Joseph too, his earthly father, now beholds the scene with glee; 

Humble peasants, willing servants, these the first this child to see!

 

Now we see not only humans gathered at his cradling place; 

Sheep and oxen, God's creation, now behold the infant's face.

Lowing, bleating, hear their chorus wilder than the loudest horn; 

These the first to sing the praises of the Savior newly born.

 

From afar come lowly shepherds, hastening to the place of rest,

Eyes all full of shock and wonder at this sight so plain and blessed;

Hear them tell of angel chorus singing of this holy one;

These the first to bear their witness to this newborn Savior-son.

 

Kings nor princes found this manger; mighty warriors did not come; 

Yet the birth of this child-Savior was for all, not just for some. 

Will you bring your joyous worship? Will you come adore this Son?

All who seek the Lord are welcome; there is room for everyone.

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, December 2023.

MUSIC: Tune COPELAND, Michael Corzine, 2000.

I know exactly to "blame" for this hymn. She posted a curious nativity scene image and labeled it "Look who gathers...", which happens to be the incipit of a hymn the church we both attended at the time (I assume she still does) commissioned for the anniversary of its long-time pastor, many years ago.  Of course my brain started writing immediately, and this is the result. I note from Facebook that the hymn took its final-for-now form on the birthday of the pastor honored by the original hymn (the tune name is his name). [Note: I hope the composer will forgive me for using and sharing the tune llike this...]