Hold the child gently, close to your heart. Hold the child gently now. Hold the child gently, safe in your love. Here is God's gift to you. You are the child held close in such love. You are the child I see. You are the child I treasure in truth, bringer of joy to me. Now in this place see children of mine; laughter and tears and care. Each has the face of Bethlehem child; each does the manger share. No child of mine should be hungry or cold; none should be left alone. Cradle each one, make welcome and warm. Cradle and welcome me. Sacred each life wrapped in love's arms; apple of eye to me. Now let the light of Christmas shine forth; hold and be held by me.