O Chief of Cities Bethlehem
Words and music by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius · tr. Nathaniel Barratt Smithers & Charles Winfred Douglas & John Patrick Crichton-Stuart Marquess of Bute · 1879
Key of D · 120 BPM · 3/4 · Christmas/Advent,Crown,Jesus · Mt 2:1-11
Verse 1
O chief of cities, Bethlehem, Of David's
crown the fairest gem, But more to us than
David's name, In you, as man, the Savior came.
Verse 2
Beyond the sun in splendor bright, Above you
stands a wondrous light Proclaiming from the
conscious skies That here, in flesh, the Godhead lies.
Verse 3
The wise men, seeing Him so fair, Bow low before
fore Him, and with prayer Their treasured eastern
gifts unfold Of incense, myrrh, and royal gold.
Verse 4
The golden tribute owns Him King, But frankincense
cense to God they bring, And last, prophetic
sign, with myrrh, They shadow forth His sepulcher.
Verse 5
O Jesus, whom the Gentiles see, With Father,
Spirit, One in Three: To You, O God, be
glory giv'n By saints on earth and saints in Heav'n.
Public domain — free for any use, anywhere, forever.