Scripture Verse

He demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet. Matthew 2:4–5

Introduction

portrait
Fred P. Green (1903–2000)

Words: Fred P. Green, 1971.

Music: Per­so­nent Ho­die Pi­ae Can­ti­on­es, 1582. Ar­ranged by Gus­tav T. Holst (1874–1934) (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Gustav T. Holst (1874–1934)
National Portrait Gallery

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Lyrics

Long ago, prophets knew
Christ would come, born a Jew,
Come to make all things new,
Bear His people’s bur­den,
Freely love and pardon.

Refrain

Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When He comes, when He comes,
Who will make Him welcome?

God in time, God in man,
This is God’s timeless plan:
He will come, as a man,
Born Himself of woman,
God divinely human.

Refrain

Mary, hail! Though afraid,
She believed, she obeyed.
In her womb, God is laid
Til the time expected,
Nurtured and protected.

Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
Jesus comes, Je­sus comes,
We will make Him welcome!