Sister M. J.: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

The Song of the Innocents of Bethlehem

Sister M. J.

“The Song of the Innocents of Bethlehem” as printed in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853).

Sister M. J.: Collected Lyrics Text 9 1853 · historical text
Public domainHymnSacred song
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from A First Series of Hymns and Songs, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

The little church with flowers is strown,

The lights are gleaming bright,

For Jesus from his altar-throne

His blessing gives to-night.

Methinks before that altar lair

An infant band I see,

And childlike voices fill the air

Which sing these words to me:

Verse 2

"We are the little ones who died

For Bethlehem's Infant slain;

Cut down through cruel Herod's pride,

That he in peace might reign.

But now we sing a cherub band

Before the Christ Child bright;

With palm and lily in each hand,

And robes of glistening white.

Verse 3

Then, little children, fear ye not

To join our joyous strain,

And sing the Lamb without a spot

On Calvary's mountain slain.

For though your home is on the earth,

And ours in heaven above,

Yet are we one by human birth,

And one in Christ's dear love.

Verse 4

And though our eyes are ever blest

His face unveil'd to see.

He comes to you a hidden guest,

To make you blest as we.

Then, little children, fear ye not

To join our joyous strain;

And sing the Lamb without a spot

On Calvary's mountain slain."

Credits

Written by Sister M. J.

Words by Sister M. J.. Historical text published in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853), “The Song of the Innocents of Bethlehem”

Every text in this 1853 collection is by Henry Formby (1816-1884), who died more than 140 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-26. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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