Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Micah 5:2
Words: Kate W. Patch (1870–1909), alt.
Music: Redwood City, Clare S. Reed (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Patch or Reed (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Long years ago in Bethlehem,
The gentle mother mild
Held close against her happy breast
The little Christmas Child;
From Heav’n the angels leaning sang
Good will and peace on earth!
And king and shepherd, side by side,
Hailed the Christ-Child’s birth.
Ah, let the love which made that day
So wondrous sweet and pure,
Make glad and bless this Christmas tide,
Alike for rich and poor.
Then may we hear the angel song,
Which He, the undefiled,
Heard for His first sweet cradle song,
Jesus the Christmas Child.