Lutheran Book of Worship ‎#62

62. The Bells of Christmas

1 The bells of Christmas chime once more;
The heav'nly guest is at the door.
He comes to earthly dwellings still
With new year gifts of peace, good will.

2 This world, though wide and far outspread,
Could scarcely find for you a bed.
Your cradle was a manger stall,
No pearl nor silk nor kingly hall.

3 Now let us go with quiet mind,
The swaddled babe with shepherds find,
To gaze on him who gladdens them,
The loveliest flow'r of Jesse's stem.

4 Oh, join with me, in gladness sing,
To keep our Christmas with our king,
Until our song, from loving souls,
Like rushing mighty water rolls!

5 O patriarchs' Joy, O prophets' Song,
O Dayspring bright, awaited long,
O Son of Man, incarnate Word,
Great David's Son, great David's Lord:

6 Come, Jesus, glorious heav'nly guest,
And keep your Christmas in our breast;
Then David's harpstrings, hushed so long,
Shall swell our jubilee of song.

Text Information

• First Line: The bells of Christmas chime once more
• Title: The Bells of Christmas
• Translator: Charles Porterfield Krauth, 1823-1883 (alt.)
• Author: Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872
• Meter: L M
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1978
• Topic: Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: DET KIMER NU TIL JULEFEST
• Composer: C. C. N. Balle, 1806-1855
• Meter: L M
• Key: E♭ Major