Lutheran Worship ‎#76

76. O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem

1 O chief of cities, Bethlehem,
Of David’s crown the fairest gem,
But more to us than David’s name,
In you, as man, the Savior came.

2 Beyond the sun in splendor bright,
Above you stands a wondrous light
Proclaiming from the conscious skies
That here in flesh, the Godhead lies.

3 The Wise Men, seeing him so fair,
Bow low before him and with prayer
Their treasured eastern gifts unfold
Of incense, myrrh, and royal gold.

4 The golden tribute owns him king,
But frankincense to God they bring,
And last, prophetic sign, with myrrh
They shadow forth his sepulcher.

5 O Jesus, whom the Gentiles see,
With Father, Spirit, One in Three:
To you, O God, be glory giv’n
By saints on earth and saints in heav’n.

Text Information

• First Line: O chief of cities, Bethlehem
• Title: O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem
• Author: Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, 348-413
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1982
• Topic: Epiphany
• Source: Tr. composite

Tune Information

• Name: TRUTH FROM ABOVE
• Meter: LM
• Key: g minor
• Source: English folk tune
• Copyright: Arr. © Stainer & Bell Ltd. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Galaxy Music Corp., NY, sole U.S. agent.