Bethlehem of noblest cities

Verse 1

Bethlehem, a noble city, has been blessed beyond compare, for the gracious God of heaven once became incarnate there.

Verse 2

Fairer than the sun at morning was the star that told his birth, to the world its God announcing, seen in human form on earth.

Verse 3

From the east came men of wisdom bringing treasures prized of old, tributes to a greater wisdom, gifts of incense, myrrh, and gold.

Verse 4

Sacred gifts of mystic meaning: incense shows that God has come, gold proclaims him king of nations, myrrh foretells his saving tomb.

Verse 5

Holy Jesus, in your brightness to the gentile world displayed, with the Father and the Spirit endless praise to you be paid.