Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1856-1932), born in Iowa, lived and worked in Chicago and San Francisco, was a Methodist, a self-taught musician, and the composer of an estimated 7,000-8,000 gospel songs, hymns, and other church music. He is the author and composer of “I Stand All Amazed” in our hymnal, and this Christmas song first published in 1900 and printed in our Primary song book in 1939.

Low in a manger – dear little Stranger,
Jesus the wonderful Savior was born;
There was none to receive Him, none to believe Him,
None but the angels were watching that morn.

Dear little Stranger, slept in a manger,
No downy pillow under His head;
But with the poor he slumbered secure,
The dear little Babe in his bed.

Angels descending, over Him bending,
Chanted a tender and silent refrain;
Then a wonderful story told of His glory,
Unto the shepherds on Bethlehem’s plain.

Chorus

Dear little Stranger, born in a manger,
Maker and Monarch, and Savior of all;
I will love Thee forever! grieve Thee? no, never!
Thou didst for me make Thy bed in a stall.

Chorus