Long ago while flowers were blooming
In Judea's sunny land
Did the gentle, loving Jesus
Mid the Jewish children stand;
Little children whom their mothers
Brought to him that he might bless
And we know he loved them dearly
But he loves us none the less.

They could see his look of pity
They could hear his gentle tone
But the words of Jesus' blessing
Were not meant for them alone;
Unto every heart that seeks him
Ev'ry child that tries to pray
He will give a loving welcome
Like the words he spake that day.

Jesus called the little children
"Suffer them to come" he said
And they came and gathered round him
Children by their mothers led;
Still he calls the same from heaven
"Suffer them to come to me;"
He his life for us hath given
Shall we not his children be?