Lyrics
Infant holy, infant lowly,
For his bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, little knowing,
Christ the babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging angels singing,
Nowells ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the babe is Lord of all.
Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping
Vigil till the morning new
Saw the glory, heard the story,
Tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,
Praises voicing, greet the morrow:
Christ the babe was born for you.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
This traditional carol presents the nativity through contrasts of humility and glory. The infant rests in a cattle stall, yet the lyric identifies him as Lord of all. Animals remain unaware, while angels announce the news and shepherds receive it during their night watch. These simple images keep the focus on the Christian claim that divine majesty appeared in the vulnerability of a newborn child.
The second stanza follows the shepherds from ordinary vigilance into wonder, rejoicing, and praise. Its language closely follows Luke’s account of Jesus being laid in a manger and the angelic proclamation heard by shepherds nearby. Repeated declarations about Christ’s lordship frame the birth as good news rather than merely a quiet domestic scene. The final line makes that news personal within the lyric, describing the child’s birth as a gift. With compact storytelling and recurring rhyme, the carol brings together lowliness, revelation, joy, and worship.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:7 Mary lays Jesus in a manger because no guest room is available.
- Luke 2:8-14 Angels announce Christ’s birth to shepherds keeping watch at night.
- Luke 2:15-20 The shepherds visit the child and return glorifying and praising God.