Epiphany Expedition

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.