Have You Heard G.K. Chesterton's Forgotten Christmas Carol?

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

It’s hard not to love G. K. Chesterton, with his great wit and incredible one-liners. But did you know he wrote the lyrics for a Christmas carol?

He actually wrote a poem with the name “A Christmas Carol” (did you know he wrote poems?!), and people have put the words to music.

[See also: 19 of the Most Refreshingly Commonsensical G.K. Chesterton Quotes]

Here’s just one example of his poem set to music, as sung by children:

Here’s an instrumental version of the tune if you want to sing along.

There are also a few videos of people simply reciting the poem (here, herehere, and here).

[See also: G. K Chesterton on Christmas: 6 Quotes & a Poem]

And here is the full text of the poem:

The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all alright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.

The Christ-child lay on Mary’s heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world’s desire.)

The Christ-child stood on Mary’s knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.

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