See, amid the Winter's Snow

By Edward Caswall

Lyrics

1. See, amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years.

Refrain:
Hail, thou ever blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."

2. Lo, within a manger lies
He who built the starry skies;
He who, throned in height sublime,
sits amid the cherubim!

3. Say, ye holy shepherds, say,
what's your joyful news today?
Wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep?

4. "As we watched at dead of night,
Lo! we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Savior's birth."

5. Sacred Infant, all divine,
what a tender love was Thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this!

6. Teach, O teach us, Holy Child,
by Thy face so meek and mild,
teach us to resemble Thee,
in Thy sweet humility!

Bible Reference

Luke 2:10–11

About This Hymn

“See, amid the Winter’s Snow” was written by Edward Caswall in 1858 and set to music by Sir John Goss. This Christmas hymn celebrates the Nativity of Christ, painting vivid imagery of His birth in the cold and humble setting of Bethlehem. Caswall’s words focus on the wonder and joy of the Incarnation, inviting worshippers to behold the newborn Savior who brings salvation to the world.

The hymn is especially notable for its tender and reverent tone. Each stanza draws the listener into the manger scene, reflecting on the purity of Christ’s birth and the significance of His coming. The refrain, often sung as “Hail, thou ever-blessed morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem,” calls the faithful to join in a chorus of praise for the Savior’s arrival. This refrain has made the carol widely recognizable and deeply loved among congregations.

“See, amid the Winter’s Snow” has become a cherished part of Christmas worship across English-speaking churches. Its theological depth, combined with its lyrical beauty and memorable refrain, make it a hymn that not only recounts the Nativity but also encourages believers to respond in joyful adoration. It continues to be sung in traditional hymnals, choir arrangements, and Christmas carol services around the world.