The Cyber Hymnal ‎#11080

11080. Long Ago In Bethlehem's Plain

1 Long ago in Bethelehem’s plain,
While the trembling shepherd throng
Listened to the wondrous strain,
Angels sang this holy song:
Lo! we bring you news of joy,
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born—Amen.

2 Long ago the wise men came
From the far off Orient way,
Guided by the starry flame,
Where the Son of Mary lay.
Came to hear this news of joy,
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born—Amen.

3 Bethlehem’s star is still in sight,
We rejoice to see its rays:
Angels sing again tonight:
We repeat the song of praise—
Hallelujah! shout for joy!
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born—Amen.

4 Gates of pearl are open wide,
Christ the Lord has passed within,
He on earth for sinners died,
That they, too, might enter in.
Hear! oh, hear the cry of joy,
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born—Amen.

5 Songs of angels, starry light,
Glad evangels from above,
Lead us all, this Christmas night,
Toward the shining gates above,
Whence first came this song of joy,
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born–Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Long ago in Bethelehem’s plain
• Title: Long Ago In Bethlehem's Plain
• Author: H. R. Waite
• Meter: 77.77 D
• Language: English
• Source: The Sunday School Teacher, Vol. IV (London: Sunday School Union, 1871)
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: BARCELONA
• Composer: Anonymous (1872)
• Meter: 77.77 D
• Key: D Major
• Source: Song Life by Philip Phillips (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1872)
• Copyright: Public Domain