Scripture Verse

Let us now go…unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. Luke 2:15

Introduction

Words: Vi­o­lan­te do Céu (1601–1693). Trans­lat­ed from Por­tu­guese to Eng­lish by John Ad­am­son, Lu­si­tan­ia Il­lus­tra­ta, 1842.

Music: Ad­vent Peace Scott Wer­de­baugh, 2017 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of do Céu or Ad­am­son (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Scott Werdebaugh (1951–)

Lyrics

While to Bethl’hem we are going,
Tell me now, to cheer the road,
Tell me why this lovely Infant
Quitted His divine abode.

Refrain

From that world to bring to this
Peace, which, of all earthly blisses,
Is the brightest, purest bliss.

Wherefore from His throne exalted
Came He on this earth to dwell;
All His pomp a humble manger,
All His court a narrow cell?

Refrain

Why did He, the Lord Eternal,
Mortal pilgrim deign to be;
He who fashioned for His glo­ry,
Boundless immortality?

Refrain

Well, then, let us haste to Bethl’hem;
Thither let us haste and rest;
For, of all Heav’n’s gifts, the sweetest,
Sure, is peace—the sweetest, best.

Refrain