We have no definite information regarding the original author or composer of the traditional Polish carol known as “W żłobie leży.” Although we commonly sing this with just two stanzas in America, the Polish version has four. These include a line where the baby Jesus cries (unlike in “Away in a Manger”). There is also the theological recognition that this baby is Emmanuel, God with us, who has descended to our world to bring rejoicing to the earth.

The English musician and teacher Edith M. G. Reed (1885-1933) wrote two Christmas mystery plays, and also the book Story Lives of the Great Composers. She paraphrased “W żłobie leży” into two stanzas and arranged the musical score. It was first published as “Polish Carol” in 1920 with these lyrics:

1. Infant holy, Infant lowly,
Lying cradled in a stall.
Oxen lowing little knowing
That the Babe is Lord of All.
Swift are winging Angels singing
Nowels ringing, Tidings bringing
That the Babe is Lord of All.

2. Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping
In the fields their vigil true.
Saw the glory, heard the story
Which should bless the world anew.
Christians kneeling and appealing
For the healing truth, revealing
That the Babe is born for you.

This was republished in 1925 with the lyrics we are more familiar with today. These no longer assume, anachronistically, that those kneeling at the manger were already Christians; and they identify the one who is Lord of all  specifically as the Christ.

1. 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,
Noels ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the babe is Lord of all!

2. 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!

The choir of King’s College, Cambridge