1. Bethlehem, thou little city,
All the earth thy fame shall tell,
For from thee came forth Messiah
Who shall rule o'er Israel.
2 Lo!the Star of Jacob riseth
Telling of a royal birth,
Leading Gentiles to its rising
From the darkened ends of earth.
3 Sages mark its lambent beauty,
Learn its message long foretold;
See them come, their gifts to offer,
Myrrh and frankincense and gold.
4 Symbols they of joy and sorrow,
Myrrh for balm that mourners bring,
Frankincense for intercession,
Gold the glory of the King.