298. The Bells of Christmas

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 harp-string, hushed so long,
shall swell our jubilee of song.

Text Information
First Line: Det kimer nu til julefest (The bells of Christmas chime once more)
Title: The Bells of Christmas
Danish Title: Det kimer nu til julefest
Author: Nikolai F. S. Grudtvig, 1783-1872
Translator: Charles Porterfield Krauth, 1823-1883 (alt.)
Meter: L M
Language: Danish, English; English
Publication Date: 2006
Topic: Christmas
Tune Information
Name: DET KIMER NU TIL JULEFEST
Composer: Carl C. N. Balle, 1806-1855
Meter: L M
Key: E♭ Major



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Audio recording: MP3
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