Over the Town of Bethlehem

lyricist: Birdie Bell, 1896
Composer: Howard Entwisle

Over the town of Beth­le­hem

Glittered a won­drous star

Shining in night’s fair dia­dem

Beckoning souls afar;

Magi be­held the mar­vel­ous sight

Followed the star’s clear beam

Seeking the Babe who came that night

That He might a world re­deem.

Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!

Hail

lit­tle town of Beth­le­hem

Crowned with a glo­ry naught can dim

Birthplace of Christ our king;

Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!

Hail

lit­tle town of Beth­le­hem

Giving to earth its fair­est gem

Around thee sweet me­mo­ries cling.

Over the town of Beth­le­hem

Hovered the an­gels fair;

Shepherds in won­der gazed on them

Dazzled by splen­dor rare;

Heralds of Christ

the in­fant King

Chanting

The Lord is born

Tidings tri­umph­ant did they bring

A mes­sage to hearts for­lorn.

Over the town of Beth­le­hem

Echoed the heav­en­ly song

Sparkled a star like a blaz­ing gem

Hovered an an­gel throng;

Ages have passed

and yet we hear

Message of joy and love;

Glitters the star with a ra­di­ance clear

It guid­eth our souls ab­ove.

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