Long ago, prophets knew

Long ago, prophets knew
Christ would come, born a Jew,
come to make all things new;
bear his people's burden,
freely love and pardon.
Refrain:
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When he comes,
when he comes,
who will make him welcome?

God in time, God in man,
this is God's timeless plan:
He will come, as a man,
born himself of woman,
God divinely human: Refrain

Mary hail! Though afraid,
she believed, she obeyed.
In her womb, God is laid:
till the time expected,
nurtured and protected, Refrain

Journey ends! Where afar
Bethlehem shines, like a star,
stable door stands ajar.
unborn Son of Mary,
Savior, do not tarry!
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
Jesus comes!
Jesus comes!
We will make him welcome!

Words: Fred Pratt Green
Words © 1971 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
For permission to reproduce this hymn, contact:
In US & Canada: Hope Publishing Company, www.hopepublishing.com
Rest of the World: Stainer & Bell Ltd., www.stainer.co.uk

Music: Personent hodie (Theodoric)

Harmony © 1986 Canterbury Press Norwich.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
For permission to reproduce this tune in all territories except the UK, contact:
Hope Publishing Company, www.hopepublishing.com
In the UK, contact: Canterbury Press Norwich (Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd.),
St. Mary's Works, St. Mary's Plain, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 3BH England

Meter: 666 66 Refrain

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.