Poems (Hoffman)/Bethlehem
Appearance
BETHLEHEM
(A Christmas Song.)
Bethlehem, fair Bethlehem!Judea's glittering lustrous gem!Of thee, unending songs shall sing,Thou birth-place of the Saviour, King. O Bethlehem, fair Bethlehem! Resplendent stars thy heavens gem; Stars that with holy radiance shine And angel songs are ever thine.
O Bethlehem, bright Bethlehem!No mist of time, thy light can dim.Thine every terraced, vine-wreathed hillIs lit with heavenly splendor still. O Bethlehem, bright Bethlehem! Thou loveliest in earth's diadem, An angel choir above thee sings Thou birthplace of the King of Kings!
O Bethlehem, glad Bethlehem!We see thee as thou wast to themWho bore their costly gifts, afar,Beneath thy guiding eastern star. O Bethlehem, glad Bethlehem! We fain would sing of thee, with them Whose heaven-born songs majestic rolled, As heaven swung back her gates of gold.
O Bethlehem, blest Bethlehem!Judea's glittering, lustrous gem!Angelic songs seem still to fallIn hallowed music over all. O Bethlehem, blest Bethlehem! When, in the New Jerusalem, We greet again our Saviour, King; Our thoughts will turn to thee and sing.