How Far Is It to Bethlehem?

Representative Text

1 How far is it to Bethlehem?
Not very far.
Shall we find the stable-room
lit by a star?
Can we see the little child,
is he within?
If we lift the wooden latch
may we go in?

2 May we stroke the creatures there,
ox, ass, or sheep?
May we peep like them and see
Jesus asleep?
If we touch his tiny hand
will he awake?
Will he know we've come so far
just for his sake?

3 Great kings have precious gifts,
and we have naught,
little smiles and little tears
are all we brought.
For all weary children
Mary must weep.
Here, on his bed of straw sleep,
children, sleep.

God in his mother's arms,
babes in the byre,
sleep as they sleep
who find their heart's desire.

Source: Community of Christ Sings #417

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Author: Frances Chesterton

(no biographical information available about Frances Chesterton.) Go to person page >

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Text Information

First Line: How far is it to Bethlehem
Title: How Far Is It to Bethlehem?
Author: Frances Chesterton
Meter: 7.4.7.4
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain
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Notes

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Timeline

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Instances in all hymnals

Instances (1 - 2 of 2)
Text

Celebrating Grace Hymnal #138

Celebrating Grace Hymnal #138
Text

Community of Christ Sings #417

Community of Christ Sings #417
Include 11 pre-1979 instances
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