A Child is Born in Bethlehem

Rejoice and Sing, Jerusalem!

A Child is Born in Bethlehem is an anonymous 14th century translation of the latin hymn: Puer Natus in Bethlehem. The strophic melody is adapted from the original Gregorian Mode I with added alleluias and refrain. The following video features the La Jolla Renaissance Singers performing it in the original latin with an alternating drone as sung in the Byzantine style that influenced Old Roman Chant. In the Liturgy of the Hours, A Child is Born in Bethlehem is used during Christmas.



A CHILD IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM - Anonymous (Public Domain)

1. The Child is born in Bethlehem, Alleluia.
Rejoice and sing, Jerusalem! Alleluia.

2. Low in the manger lieth He, Alleluia.
Whose reign no bound or end can see. Alleluia.

3. The ox and as their Owner know, Alleluia.
And own their Lord thus stooping low. Alleluia.

4. Kings coming from the furthest East, Alleluia.
Bring old, frankincense, myrrh to Christ. Alleluia.

5. That lowly dwelling entering, Alleluia.
They humbly greet the new-born King. Alleluia.

6. Born of a virgin mother mild, Alleluia.
Seed of the woman, wondrous Child. Alleluia.

7. Born of our blood, without the sin, Alleluia.
No serpent's venom left therein. Alleluia.

8. Like us, in flesh of human frame, Alleluia.
Unlike in sin alone, He came: Alleluia.

9. That He might make us, sinful men, Alleluia.
Like God, and like Himself again. Alleluia.

10. In this, our Christmas happiness, Alleluia.
The Lord with festive hymns we bless. Alleluia.

11. The Holy Trinity be praised, Alleluia.
To God our ceaseless thanks be raised. Alleluia.