Author: Charles Porterfield Krauth, 1823-1883; Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872 Hymnal: LBoW1978 #62 (1978) Meter: 8.8.8.8 First Line: The bells of Christmas chime once more Lyrics: 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. Topics: Christmas; Christmas Languages: English Tune Title: DET KIMER NU TIL JULEFEST
The Bells of Christmas