Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#204

204. Little Bethlehem of Judah

Text Information

• First Line: Little Bethlehem of Judah
• Title: Little Bethlehem of Judah
• Versifier: Calvin Seerveld (1986)
• Meter: 85 83
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Micah 5:2-4
  ;
  Micah 5:4
• Topic: Biblical Names & Places: Bethlehem; Biblical Names & Places: Judah; Shepherd, God/Christ as; Songs for Children: Bible Songs; Advent; Christmas
• Copyright: © Calvin Seerveld

Tune Information

• Name: WESTRIDGE
• Composer: Martin Fallas Shaw (1929)
• Meter: 85 83
• Key: F Major
• Copyright: By permission of Oxford University Press

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Mic. 5:2
st. 2 = Mic. 5:3
st. 3 = Mic. 5:4

Micah 5:2-4 singles out Bethlehem as the source of the Messiah, the One whose rule would bring reconciliation and initiate the kingdom of God. Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) paraphrased this passage in 1986 for the Psalter Hymnal.

Liturgical Use
Advent; service of Christmas lessons and carols.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

WESTRIDGE is a charming two-line tune, effective precisely because "small is beautiful." Martin F. Shaw (PHH 49) composed it in 1929 for a children's hymn, “Jesus, Friend of Little Children,” and the tune was published in Songs of Praise for Boys and Girls (1930). Sing it in unison and use light accompaniment, possibly even reducing the texture to three parts. Seerveld suggests a well-trained child's voice with piano accompaniment as a performance option.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook