Author: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000 Meter: 6.6.6.6.6 with refrain Appears in 17 hymnals Scripture: John 1:1 Refrain First Line: Ring bells, ring, ring ring! Lyrics: 1 Long ago, prophets knew
Christ would come, born a Jew,
come to make all things new,
bear his people's burden,
freely love and pardon.
Refrain:
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When he comes, when he comes,
who will make him welcome? [Refrain]
2 God in time, God in man,
this is God's timeless plan:
He will come, as a man,
born himself of woman,
God divinely human. [Refrain]
3 Mary, hail! Though afraid,
she believed, she obeyed.
In her womb, God is laid
till the time expected,
nurtured and protected. [Refrain]
4 Journey ends! Where afar
Bethlehem shines, like a star,
stable door stands ajar:
unborn Son of Mary,
Savior, do not tarry!
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
Jesus comes, Jesus comes,
we will make him welcome! Used With Tune: PERSONENT HODIE
Long Ago, Prophets Knew