Words: December 20 by St. Romanos the Melodist (c. 496), translated by G.R.W.

Music: Air de la Gavote, from Thoinot Arbeau's Orchesographie, harmonized by G.R.W.
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

Source: Charles Wood and George Ratcliffe Woodward, The Cambridge Carol-Book, Being Fifty-Two Songs For Christmas, Easter, And Other Seasons (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1924), #7

"Christ is at thy portals:
Bethlem, ready make!
Soon, to save all mortals,
Christmas dawn shall break.
Bethlem, deck the manger,
Group the shepherd band;
Call the kingly stranger
Out of Persian land.
Christ is near thy border,
Christ, of heaven King."
Thus, and in due order,
Hosts Angelick sing.

Sheet Music