Long, Long Ago
Herbert Howells, John Buxton
Long, long ago,
Oh! so long ago,
Christ was born in Bethlehem
To heal the world's woe.
His mother in the stable
Watched him where he lay
And knew for all his frailty
He was the world's stay.
Long, long ago...
While he lay there sleeping
In the quiet night
She listened to his breathing
And oh! her heart was light.
Long, long ago...
She tended him and nursed him,
Giving him her breast,
And knew that it was God's son
In her crook'd arm at rest.
Long, long ago...
Shepherds at the sheepfolds
Knew him for their King
And gold and myrrh and frankincense
Three wise men did bring.
Long, long ago...
For he should be the Saviour
Making wars to cease,
Who gives joy to all men,
And brings them peace.
Long, long ago...