Scripture Verse

Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2

Introduction

Words: Charles Wes­ley, Hymns for the Na­tion, and Hymns for the Na­tion­al Fast Day 1782.

Music: Tru­ro, from Psal­mo­dia Ev­an­gel­i­ca, by Tho­mas Will­iams, 1789 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Charles Wesley
1707–1788

Lyrics

To us a child of royal birth,
Heir of the promises, is given;
The Invisible appears on earth,
The Son of Man, the God of Heaven.

A savior born, in love supreme
He comes our fallen souls to raise;
He comes His people to redeem
With all His plenitude of grace.

The Christ, by raptured seers foretold,
Filled with the eternal Spirit’s power,
Prophet, and priest, and king behold,
And Lord of all the worlds adore.

The Lord of hosts, the God most high,
Who quits His throne on earth to live,
With joy we welcome from the sky,
With faith into our hearts receive.