Bethlehem Ephratah, 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
Words: William W. Newton, The Voice of St. John, and Other Poems (New York: Anson D. F. Randolph, 1881), pages 77–78.
Music: St. Bees John B. Dykes, 1862 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
Who is this in Bethlehem’s town,
Brings the holy angels down—
Shepherds too, and wise men bow,
Son of God, ’tis Thou! ’tis Thou!
In the temple, who is He,
Agèd Simeon longs to see?
Happy saint, he pays his vow,
Son of God, ’tis Thou! ’tis Thou!
Who is He in yonder cot,
Bending to His toilsome lot.
Veiled in flesh we know Thee now,
Son of man, ’tis Thou! ’tis Thou!
Sing we then with heart and voice,
While the sons of men rejoice.
While Heav’n’s glory crowns Thy brow,
Son of God, ’tis Thou! ’tis Thou!
Hail the Savior, praise Him then,
Heav’n’s own richest gift to men,
Son of God—of man, ’tis Thou
We would ever praise as now.