A Child Is Born in Bethlehem

For Advent

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

Translated by Hamilton Montgomerie MacGill, 1876

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

Source: Hamilton M. MacGill, Songs of the Christian Creed and Life (London: Pickering & Co., 1879), #35.

1. A CHILD is born in Bethlehem ;
Exult for joy Jerusalem !

2. Lo, He who reigns above the skies,
There, in a manger lowly lies.

3. The ox and ass in neighbouring stall,
See in that Child the Lord of all ;

4. And kingly pilgrims, long foretold,
From East bring incense, myrrh, and gold,

5. And enter with their offerings
To hail the new-born King of kings.

6. He comes, a maiden mother's son,
Yet earthly father hath He none ;

7. And from the serpent's poison free,
He owned our blood and pedigree.

8. Our feeble flesh and His the same,
Our sinless kinsman He became,

9. That we from deadly thrall set free
Like Him, and so like God should be.

10. Come then, and on this natal day,
Rejoice before the Lord and pray ;

11. And to the holy One in Three
Give praise and thanks eternally.

Editor's Note:

Some versions have added "Alleluia" to the end of each verse.

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