The Cyber Hymnal ‎#13076

13076. Bethlehem

1 In Bethlehem was Jesus born,
The Son of God Supreme;
And wise men from the eastward came,
Whose eyes His star had seen.
When Herod sent them on their way,
Afar to Bethlehem,
A light to guide their steps aright,
That star preceded them.

2 And as their longing eyes beheld
Its clear and gentle rays,
How swelled their hearts with untold joy!
How warmed their lips with praise!
If we so seek to find the way
To loving Jesus’ feet,
Faith’s guiding star, with gentle light,
Our longing eyes shall greet.

3 And we may bear our gifts of gold,
And myrrh, and frankincense,
The off’rings of a contrite heart,
That sinning, yet repents.
And He who pities sinful man
Those gifts of love shall bear,
And place them near the Father’s throne,
To be our witness there.

Text Information

• First Line: In Bethlehem was Jesus born
• Title: Bethlehem
• Author: Sanford F. Bennett
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Source: The Signet Ring by Joseph P. Webster (Chicago: Lyon & Healy, 1868)
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: ENSCHEDE by Joseph P. Webster, KINGSFOLD by Ralph Vaughan Willliams

Tune Information

• Name: ELLACOMBE
• Adapter: William H. Monk
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Key: B♭ Major
• Source: Gesangbuch der H. W. K. Hofkapelle, 1784; Adapt: Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1868 appendix