Tune: Epiphany
(\'Brightest and best of the sons of the morning\')
Matthew 2 v.5-15
The first verse is repeated at the end (as in original hymn)
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You Bethlehem in the land of Judea
Spoken of old by the prophet, the seer [Micah]
Though you be small, from you shall come a Ruler
To rule o\'er Israel, He shall not defer
So wise men followed that star brightly shining
It rested o\'er house of young infant King
When they the star saw, their joy was exceeding
Precious treasures unto Him did they bring
They did see Jesus, a young child, and offered
Gifts to Him, He be God\'s true living Word
Mary and Joseph, His parents did wonder
At presents given, gold, frankincense, myrrh
So humbly bowing in sure recognition
Of Jesus, He the One, God\'s only Son
The Lord warned in a dream that they not return
To King Herod, for his anger did burn
And too from Bethlehem, the Lord directed
That Mary, Joseph, Jesus, go instead
To land of Egypt, for safety they took flight
There to avoid Herod\'s murderous night
So help us Lord, we to you bring our worship
Find it worthy we pray, in deed and lip
Following you, King of Kings now for ever
Strengthened by you in our firm endeavour
You Bethlehem in th the land of Judea
Spoken of old by the prophet, the seer [Micah]
Though you be small, from you shall come a Ruler
To rule o\'er Israel, He shall not defer
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Epiphany (Jan 6th) - The revealing of Jesus to the Wise Men,
representing Gentiles, so shown to all people,
as we are either a Jew or a Gentile.