Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

One of the pieces my Handbell Choir will be playing on Christmas Eve this year is “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”.  

“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” is thought to be a very old Polish carol.  Its origin is unknown but it was published in Spiewniczek Piesni Koscielne (Songbook of Church Songs) in 1908.  British musician and playwright, Edith M. G. Reed, found this carol in the Polish Hymnal and translated the song into English and published it in December 1920.

Based on manuscripts in the Polish Catholic Church, the origin of the song may date back to the 13th century.  The Polish text could possibly be written by Piotr Skarga.  The rhythm of the song resembles a mazurka which is a Polish folk dance made popular by Chopin.

The words speak of the stable scene with Jesus lying in a manger bed with the animals nearby. The second verse tells of the hillside where the shepherds heard the story from the angels. The final statement “Christ the babe is Lord of all!” is the whole purpose of this song.

Here are the lyrics in English.

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

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; 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; Christ the babe was born for you!

May we be like the shepherds and spread the news that “Christ the babe was born for you!”

Have a merry Christmas everyone.  Enjoy the news that so many of the carols bring.

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