Hymn Lyrics

PLEASE NOTE: Not all verses may be sung and words may vary in the particular hymn presentation.

He Smiles Within His Cradle
Words: David Gregor Corner’s Geistliche Nachtigal, Vienna, Austria, 1649; possibly based on a 14th Century Rocking Carol
Music: Ein Kindlein in der Wiegen | David Gregor Corner’s Geistliche Nachtigal, Vienna, Austria, 1649; possibly based on a 14th Century Rocking Carol
1. He smiles within His cradle,
A babe with face to bright
It beams most like a mirror
Against a blaze of light:
This babe so burning bright.

2. This babe we now declare to you
Is Jesus Christ, our Lord;
He brings both peace and heartiness:
Haste, haste with one accord
To feast with Christ our Lord.

3. And who would rock the cradle
Wherein this infant lies,
Must rock with easy motion
And watch with humble eyes,
Like Mary pure and wise.

4. O Jesus, dearest babe of all
And dearest babe of mine,
Thy love is great, Thy limbs are small
O flood this heart of mine
With overflow from Thine!


Another translation (“A Babe Lies in the Cradle”):

1. A Babe lies in the cradle,
A little babe so dear,
With noble light He shineth
As shines a mirror clear,
This little babe so dear.

2. The babe within the cradle
Is Jesus Christ our Lord
To us all peace and amity
As this good time afford,
Thou Jesus Christ our Lord!

3. Who so would rock the cradle
Where lies the gentle child,
A lowly heart must lead him,
By passions undefiled,
As Mary pure and mild.

4. O Jesus, babe beloved!
O Jesus, babe divine!
How mighty is Thy wondrous love!
Fill Thou this heart of mine
With that great love of Thine.