Scripture Verse

Bethlehem Ephrathah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

Introduction

Words: John Ry­man, 1492.

Music: Fred­er­ick A. G. Ou­se­ley, Christ­mas Ca­rols New and Old, Se­cond Ser­ies (Lon­don: No­vel­lo, Ew­er, 1871), num­ber 32 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Frederick A. G. Ouseley
1825–1889

Lyrics

In Bethlehem, that noble place,
As by the prophet said it was,
Of the virgin Mary, filled with grace,
Salvator mundi natus est.

Refrain

Be we merry in this feast,
In quo Salvator natus est.

On Christmas night, an angel told
The shepherds watching by their fold,
In Bethlehem, full nigh the wold,
Salvator mundi natus est.

Refrain

The shepherds were encompassed right,
About them shone a glorious light,
Dread ye naught, said the angel bright,
Salvator mundi natus est.

Refrain

No cause have ye to be afraid,
For why? this day is Jesus laid
On Mary’s lap, that gentle maid:
Salvator mundi natus est.

Refrain

And thus in faith find Him, ye shall,
Laid poorly in an ox’s stall.
The shepherds then lauded God all,
Quia Salvator natus est.

Refrain