A Child Is Born in Bethlehem

For Christmas and Epiphany.

Words and Music: A 14^th Century Latin Hymn.
Translated by E. R. Charles and W. J. Blew.

See: Puer natus in Bethlehem - from Piæ Cantiones, with notes and links to translations.

Compare: A Child Is Born In Bethlehem, Rejoice, rejoice, Jerusalem. J. W. Hewett. 1859.

Source: J. F. W. Bullock and C. J. Ridsdale, eds., The New Office Hymn Book. Parts III and IV. Edition K. (London: Novello and Company, 1907), #336, p. 36.

A Child Is Born in Bethlehem
Rejoice, rejoice, Jerusalem,
                         Alleluia.

He in a narrow crib doth lie,
Whose kingdom hath no boundary
                         Alleluia.

The ox an ass with one accord
Confess that Babe to be the Lord.
                         Alleluia.

While crowned Kings from Saba bring
Gold, incense, myrrh, their offering.
                         Alleluia.

Born of a Virgin mother mild,
Seed of the Woman, wondrous Child.
                         Alleluia.

The Serpent's venom knows Him not,
Though of our blood His Blood He got
                         Alleluia.

Made like to us in human kin,
Unlike us in respect of sin;
                         Alleluia.

That He might make us, sinful men,
Like God, and like Himself, again.
                         Alleluia.

In this our Christmas happiness,
The Lord with festive hymns we bless.
                         Alleluia.

The Holy Trinity be praised;
Glad thanks to God Almighty raised.
                         Alleluia.

Sheet Music from J. F. W. Bullock and C. J. Ridsdale, eds., The New Office Hymn Book. Parts III and IV. Edition K. (London: Novello and Company, 1907), #336, p. 36.

Editor's Note:

The items mentioned in verses 3 and 4 are discussed in the notes to Puer natus in Bethlehem.

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