When in the Crib, So Weak and Small – An Epiphany Hymn

Looking for another hymn to sing during the season of Epiphany? When in the Crib, So Weak and Small by J. Gray (1866-1934) is worth reading and singing, but it’s sadly not used in hymnals today. I found this one in the 1939 Westminster Hymnal.

Here is a hymn that combines three milestones in the life of Christ: the coming of the Magi, the Baptism of Our Lord, and the miracle at Cana. The fourth verse is a beautiful prayer:

O grant us to be truly wise; 
to seek the things that are above,

To look to Thee with humble eyes, 
Thy word to heed, and Thee to love.

 

Click PLAY to listen and follow along:

When in the Crib, So Weak and Small by erin.mcfarland.16

1. When in the crib, so weak and small,
The Savior lay, there came the wise
To worship Him, the Lord of all,
Whose star they saw in other skies,
Thy glory drew the wise from far:
Thy messenger a shining star.

2. When Jesus came to be baptized
The Spirit hovered as a dove,
And those who saw were yet surprised
To hear the Father’s voice above,
Commending the eternal Son
The wellbeloved, O blessed One.

3.
 At Cana in the holy land,
The bridegroom and his guests recline
And at the Savior’s mere command
The water vessels pour with wine.
They wondered, Lord: but blest are they
Who do whatever Thou shalt say.

4. 
O grant us to be truly wise,
To seek the things that are above,
To look to Thee with humble eyes,
Thy word to heed, and Thee to love.
And guide us to the place, O Lord,
Where Thou art evermore adored.

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More hymns can be found under Catholic Songs to Learn & Sing.