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Author: Fred Pratt Green Meter: 6.6.6.6.6 with refrain Appears in 17 hymnals Scripture: Matthew 2:5 Refrain First Line: Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring Lyrics: 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.
[Refrain:]
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When he comes,
when he comes,
who will make him welcome?
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. (Refrain)
3 Mary hail! Though afraid,
she believed, she obeyed.
In her womb, God is laid
till the time expected,
nurtured and protected. (Refrain)
4 Journey ends! Where afar
Bethlehem shines, like a star,
stable door stands ajar:
unborn Son of Mary,
Savior, do not tarry!
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When he comes,
when he comes,
we will make him welcome! Topics: Advent Season; Jesus Christ Birth; Jesus Christ Incarnation; Music and Singing Used With Tune: PERSONENT HODIE
Long Ago, Prophets Knew