Hymn: | Long Ago, Prophets Knew |
---|---|
Tune: | Personent Hodie |
Words: | F Pratt Green (1903-2000) |
Music: | from Piae Cantiones, 1582 |
Verse 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.
Chorus
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When he comes,
when he comes,
who will make him welcome?
Verse 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.
Chorus
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When he comes,
when he comes,
who will make him welcome?
Verse 3
Mary hail! Though afraid,
she believed, she obeyed.
In her womb, God is laid:
till the time expected,
nurtured and protected.
Chorus
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When he comes,
when he comes,
who will make him welcome?
Verse 4
Journey ends! Where afar
Bethlehem shines, like a star,
stable door stands ajar.
unborn Son of Mary,
Savior, do not tarry!
Chorus
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
Jesus comes!
Jesus comes!
We will make him welcome!