A Christmas hymn

Sleep, Holy Child

Tune "Drop slow tears"
by Orlando Gibbons
(Methodist Hymn Book 501 "Song 46")

1. Sleep, Holy Child, on Mary's gentle breast;
In comfort now to take Thine infant rest.

2. Sleep, Shepherd King, by lowly shepherds praised;
The humble hearts to highest heav'n are raised.

3. Sleep, Word of Life, made flesh to live as man;
Now brought to us by Heaven's eternal plan.

4. Sleep, great High Priest, come down from Heaven on high;
As sacrifice to suffer and to die.

5. Sleep, Prince of Peace, now born to mortal strife;
Through conflict, death, to give immortal life.

6. Sleep, King of Kings, in human weakness now;
Then triumph over death and every foe.

7. Sleep, Mighty God, your glory now is veiled;
That we might see that glory unconcealed.

8. Sleep, Jesus child, on Mary's gentle breast;
Thy coming brings us to our heavenly rest.

Robert J Higginson, 14 December 2000, copyright. 172 B17 8EP

This is available in printer-friendly rtf version, with suggestions for choirs.