They saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11
Words: Aurelius Prudentius (348–413) (O sola magnarum urbium). Composite translation from Latin to English.
Music: Truth from Above English folk tune (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Prudentius (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
O chief of cities, Bethlehem,
Of David’s crown the fairest gem,
But more to us than David’s name,
In you, as man, the Savior came.
Beyond the sun in splendor bright,
Above you stands a wondrous light
Proclaiming from the conscious skies
That here, in flesh, the Godhead lies.
The wise men, seeing Him so fair,
Bow low before Him, and with prayer
Their treasured eastern gifts unfold
Of incense, myrrh, and royal gold.
The golden tribute owns Him king,
But frankincense to God they bring,
And last, prophetic sign, with myrrh,
They shadow forth His sepulcher.
O Jesus, whom the Gentiles see,
With Father, Spirit, One in Three:
To You, O God, be glory giv’n
By saints on earth and saints in Heav’n.