How far is it to Bethlehem (Geoffrey Shaw)
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- (Posted 2021-07-22) CPDL #65243:
- Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2021-07-22). Score information: A4, 5 pages, 133 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes:
- (Posted 2018-09-11) CPDL #51290: (Sibelius 8.5)
- Editor: Ian Haslam (submitted 2018-09-11). Score information: A4, 5 pages, 77 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes:
Score updated May 2024 to correct a minor error.
General Information
Title: How far is it to Bethlehem
Composer: Geoffrey Shaw
Lyricist: Frances Chesterton
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Carol
Language: English
Instruments: A cappella
First published: 1922 Novello's Short Anthems no.245
Description:
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
How far is it to Bethlehem?
Not very far.
Shall we find the stable-room
Lit by a star?
Can we see the little Child?
Is He within?
If we lift the wooden latch,
May we go in?
May we stroke the creatures there —
Ox, ass, or sheep?
May we peep like them and see
Jesus asleep?
If we touch His tiny hand,
Will He awake?
Will He know we've come so far
Just for His sake?
Great kings have precious gifts,
And we have naught;
Little smiles and little tears
Are all we brought.
For all weary children
Mary must weep;
Here, on His bed of straw,
Sleep, children, sleep.
God, in His mother's arms,
Babes in the byre,
Sleep, as they sleep who find
Their heart's desire.