THE CHRISTMAS TREE, THE FAIREST TREE
Attrib. to J. Karl          German Folk Song

The Christmas tree, the fairest tree, On earth no rival knowing;
However small the garden be, All radiant blooms the wondrous tree,
With every flower glowing, With every flower glowing.

The Christmas tree, the fairest tree, On earth no rival knowing.

List while I tell: One glorious night, The Lord to earth was given---
The Saviour who, with holy light, Led lost and sinful man aright
And brought him back to heaven, And brought him back to heaven.
List while I tell: One glorious night, The Lord to earth was given.

His gracious rays illume the earth, The night of fear dispelling,
Your Christmas gifts, your joyous mirth Today the Christ-child sends to earth.
Come make your heart His dwelling. Come make your heart His dwelling.
His gracious rays illume the earth, The night of fear dispelling.

O let Him in! 'tis not a dream; Your heart shall be His garden,
Wherein shall grow a tree most fair, Protected by His tender care,
And yielding peace and pardon, And yielding peace and pardon.
O let Him in! 'tis not a dream; Your heart shall be His garden.