Bethlehem, a noble City (Stuttgart)

Melody: Stuttgart.
STUTTGART was included in Psalmodia Sacra (1715), one of the most significant hymnals of the early sixteenth century.

Author:
Aurelius Clemens Prudentius
Translator:
Edward Caswall (1814-1878)

Bethlehem, a noble city,
has been blessed beyond compare,
for the gracious God of heaven
once became incarnate there.

Fairer than the sun at morning
was the star that told his birth,
to the world its God announcing,
seen in human form on earth.

From the east came men of wisdom
bringing treasures prized of old,
tributes to a greater wisdom,
gifts of incense, myrrh, and gold.

Sacred gifts of mystic meaning:
incense shows that God has come,
gold proclaims him king of nations,
myrrh foretells his saving tomb.

Holy Jesus, in your brightness
to the gentile world displayed,
with the Father and the Spirit
endless praise to you be paid.

An Epiphany hymn of great quality, in music and in text.
As correct hymn playing is a very important part of an organists job, some of us are trying to continue the advent hymn project by uploading hymns for the different periods of the liturgical year.
Hop on the wagon also!
It's good practice, good fun and VERY instructive to learn about composers and poets.