From Bethl’hem’s manger came forth a Stranger, And lowly, I would be like Him; Oh, precious Savior with kindly favor, A friend to all, I’d be like Him. With love and meekness to those in weakness, I’d be a little more like Him; I’d lead the living when danger’s nearing, And be to them a guide like Him.
Refrain: To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, I only ask to be like Him; In life that’s lowly, in heart that’s holy, Oh, how I long to be like Him.
He heard the crying of lost ones dying, In mercy, I would be like Him; For each condition, a kind physician, In sympathy, I’d be like Him. When friends had failed Him, His foes had nailed Him Upon the cross, a friend like Him; He then forgave them and died to save them, Forgiving, I would be like Him.
The soldiers bound Him, with thorns they crowned Him, Enduring, I would be like Him; They did deride Him, and crucified Him, Submissive, I would be like Him. From death’s cold prison our Lord has risen, I hope someday to be like Him; He’s gone to glory, oh, wondrous story, That I someday shall be like Him.