A Child Is Born In Bethlehem

For Christmas

Words and Music: Puer natus in Bethlehem, a 14^th Century Latin Hymn
See Puer natus in Bethlehem from Dreves, with notes.

English Translation by Richard Frederick Littledale

Source: Rev. Orby Shipley, ed., Lyra Messianica: Hymns and Verses On The Life of Christ. (London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts, and Green, 1864), pp. 69-70. Text Only.

Music: "Puer Natus in Bethlehem"
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF
Meter: 8,8

1. A Child Is Born In Bethlehem,
And Joyful Is Jerusalem.

2. He lies within a lowly stall,
The King Who reigneth over all.

3. The ox and ass beheld that sight,
And knew Him for the Lord of Might.

4. The Wise Men hasten to their King,
And Gold, and Myrrh, and Incense bring.

5. Sprung from no mortal father, He
Is born of pure Virginity.

6. Unwounded by the serpent's tooth,
He comes to us a Man in sooth.

7. Like to the flesh man dwelleth in,
But all unlike to man in sin.

8. That He might bring our mortal race
Back to the Image of His Face.

9. Now upon this, His Natal-day
Bless we our Infant Lord always.

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