In the days of Caesar, he sent a decree To register all people by each family Men by their forefathers, drawn back to their towns People of the kingdom counted by their crown Behold (behold) (behold) Immanuel is come (is come) (is come) Incarnate God is formed For the one who knows all men, Jesus, is born Joseph, in obedience, went from Nazareth south To Bethlehem he headed, one from David's house Peasant his appearance, kingly though his line Humble-hearted pilgrim, loving still his bride Behold (behold) (behold) Immanuel is come (is come) (is come) Incarnate God is formed For the Promised Prince of old, Jesus is born Reaching David's city, pain bade Mary cry For shelter, help, and comfort, space to bear her child But no one offered mercy; inns all shut their door So tired mother Mary gave birth on stable floor Behold (behold) (behold) Immanuel is come (is come) (is come) Incarnate God is formed For the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus is born Savior learned obedience, Father led His Child To bear His people's burden, climb a cross and die But Death is not His master: life sprang from His grave Now Jesus lives forever and will return some day Behold (behold) (behold) Immanuel will come (will come) (will come) Incarnate God and Lord For the one who comes by faith, in Jesus is born