Behold a branch is growing As of loveliest form and grace, As prophets sung, foreknowing; It springs from Jesse's race And bears one little Flower In midst of coldest winter, At deepest midnight hour. 2. Isaiah hath foretold It In words of promise sure, And Mary's arms enfold It, A virgin meek and pure. Through God's eternal will This Child to her is given At midnight calm and still.

3. The shepherds heard the story, Proclaimed by angels bright, How Christ, the Lord of Glory, Was born on earth this night. To Bethlehem they sped And in the manger found him, As angel heralds said. 4. This Flower, whose fragrance tender With sweetness fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor The darkness everywhere. True Man, yet very God; From sin and death He saves us And lightens every load.

5. O Savior, Child of Mary, Who felt our human woe; Savior, King of Glory. Who dost our weakness know, Bring us at length, we pray. To the bright courts of heaven And to the endless day.