Infant of gladness

Infant of glory,
Child born of Mary,
Born in a stable
King from above:
For our forlorn race
Suffered in our place;
Happy the number
Close to His love.

When He saw us sorrowed
Our own flesh He borrowed,
He came from the heavens
To visit His own:
We see in Jesus
The spirit who frees us,
He draws us under
The shield of His crown.

Strengthen our mission,
Widen our vision,
Guide us still onward
Faithful and true,
Our lantern light burgeons
Like those wise virgins,
Singing in glory
Songs ever new.

To the kings of this world
In luxury furled
Children are born
Into riches and mirth;
Swift is their going,
Puny their growing,
Their dignified image
Crumbles to earth.

Not so for Jesus
Who came to release us;
Lowly and humble
The Lamb who was slain;
Holy His nature,
Our people's Creator,
From earth He has risen
Victorious again.

Infant of gladness,
Lighten our sadness,
Presaged by prophets
And angels above -
He claims our allegiance,
Our love and obedience,
Happy the number
Close to His love.

Words ("Leanabh an àigh"): Verses 1, 5 and 6 from oral tradition (Carmina Gadelica); verses 2, 3 and 4 by Mary MacDonald
(Màiri Dhughallach bean Néill Domhnallaich of Ardtun, Isle of Mull, 1817-c. 1890). Translated by Kenneth MacKinnon © 1987, 1993.
Music (tune "Bunessan") traditional, arranged by Paul McDowell © 1992.

Words and music may not be reproduced without permission from the copyright owner.