Child in the manger,
infant of Mary;
outcast and stranger,
Lord of all;
Child who inherits
all our transgressions,
all our demerits
on Him fall.
Once the most holy
Child of salvation
gently and lowly
lived below;
now, as our glorious
mighty Redeemer,
see Him victorious
o’er each foe.
Prophets foretold Him,
infant of wonder;
angels behold Him
on His throne;
worthy our Savior
of all our praises;
happy forever
are His own.
Mary MacDonald, translated by L. MacBean 1888
Read 1 Timothy 3:16
(When I found the hymn writer was named MacDonald but still needed a translator, I was curious. The hymn is Gaelic and Mr. MacBean had a particular interest in preserving nearly forgotten Gaelic songs and hymns. In a way, “translation” was what Christ did. When He became flesh and dwelt among us, He made the Infinite intimate. Through Christ, we understand the compassion and the heart of God in a way that mankind hasn’t since those cool evenings in Eden. This child is an Infant of Wonder, no doubt.)