Beside the city gate is a well, where the caravans to Egypt are
refreshed.
Nearby, is the inn where they stay before they go their way.
Once, in this ordinary village, about a thousand years ago,
There was a shepherd boy named David, who played a harp so soft and low.
He grew to be a mighty warrior; he grew to be a noble king.
We’re just an ordinary village; we didn’t grow to be a thing.
We’re just an ordinary village, a sort of sleepy little town
Set in the hillside of Judea, where figs and olive groves abound.
We have a rabbi and a potter and one who works in masonry.
Here everybody knows each other, and that’s the way we’ll always be.
And that’s the way we’ll always be.
2. The Census (dialogue spoken within song) Listen... Quick MIDI
The census is a very good thing; think of all the business it will bring!
People come from miles around, spending freely in our town.
Yes, the census is a very good thing!
The census is a very bad thing; think of all the bother it will bring!
Don’t we have enough to do? Must we care for strangers, too?
Yes, the census is a very bad thing!
And (b)oy, the crowds and the noise!
The cost of a spice will double in price; there won’t be enough to go
around.
Please try to look at our side:
What’s good for the wealth, is good for the health, is good for the town!
The census is a very good thing; think of all the kinsmen it will bring!
Wouldn’t it be nice to see long-lost friends and family?
Yes, the census is a very good thing!
The census is a very bad thing; think of all the taxes it will bring!
What we profit from today, Caesar’s men will take away.
Yes, the census is a very bad thing!
The census is a puzzling thing; who knows what the end result will bring?
Since we do not understand, we will leave it in God’s hand.
3. Messiah Will Come! Listen... Quick MIDI
The days are coming, said Jeremiah, when from King David’s line,
God will bring forth his son, Messiah, man and God Divine.
From the roots of Jesse, a saving branch will spring and grow.
Zechariah repeated the message God wanted us to know.
REFRAIN:
Each day, we pray Messiah will come!
Though he has been forgotten by some,
Still there are those who wait.
It was foretold by the prophet, Isaiah, God would give us a sign:
Look for the virgin who’s heavy with child; this is Messiah’s time!
And when the virgin gives birth to a son, she will call him Immanuel.
It is the name that means God is with us, here to save Israel.
REFRAIN:
Then there is Micah, who long ago told us in prophecy so clear,
He who has been since before Creation, he will be born right here!
Though we are small in the clans of Judah, one day we’ll be proud to tell:
From Bethlehem came the ruler of Israel, and of the world as well.
REFRAIN:
Some people say that a star will be shining when the Messiah comes.
Some people say he’ll be seen by the shepherds, for they are lowly ones.
Some people say he’ll restore our lost glory, and some say it is not true.
We simply say that Jehovah will send him; that is all we can do.
REFRAIN:
4. Bedtime in Bethlehem Listen... Quick MIDI
Day has ended, night has come. Time for bed, my little one.
Say your prayers and rest your head. God is always with you.
Now I lay me down to sleep; pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Bless my friends and family; keep us always with you.
Underneath God’s watchful eyes, Bethlehem in slumber lies,
Waiting for another day, trusting God is with us. God is with us.
5. Something is happening Tonight! (dialogue spoken within song) Listen... Quick MIDI
Husband, I hear something! Husband, go take a look!
Husband, it may be nothing, but then again it doesn’t hurt to check.
It sounds like angels, angel voices, coming from the shepherd’s field!
Strange as it may seem, this is not a dream! Something is happening tonight!
Wife, I see something! Wife, come take a look!
Out there, heaven is glowing! Or are we both imagining it all?
It looks like angels, angels shining, right above the shepherd’s field!
Strange as it may seem, this is not a dream! Something is happening tonight!
Strange as it may seem, this is not a dream! Something is happening tonight!
6. Glory to God! Listen... Quick MIDI
Glory to God in the highest, Glory to God in the highest!
Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory! Glory!
And on earth, peace; peace to men on whom his favor rests.
And on earth, peace; peace to men on whom his favor rests.
7. We Have Seen Him! Listen... Quick MIDI
Wait until we tell you what has happened!
It took us by surprise; astounded ears and eyes!
An angel of the Lord appeared and said that we should have no fear,
For there was Good News; joyful tidings to all people!
We have seen him! He has come; Messiah to Bethlehem!
God’s Anointed, Promised One came silent in the night.
With a manger for a bed, a newborn is the Savior!
Christ, the Lord, the angel said; a long awaited sight!
He shall redeem his people, be for the world, the Light.
All who believe in this child shall not perish, but have eternal life!
He shall redeem his people, be for the world, the Light.
All who believe in this child shall not perish, but have eternal life!
8. When I See the Little Baby Listen... Quick MIDI
When I see the little baby, see the one who’s come to save me,
I will tell him I am sorry for the sins I’ve done.
When I see the little baby, see the one who’s come to save me,
I will ask him to forgive them, every single one.
When I see the little baby, see the one who’s come to save me,
I will say to God, his father, "Thank you for your son.
Thank you for your son!"
9. Psalm of Praise Listen... Quick MIDI
I will praise the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of his wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice; I will sing praise to him, Most High!
REFRAIN:
Those who know his name and trust him, they will never be forsaken.
Sing praises to the Lord in Zion, proclaim what he has done!
Proclaim what he has done!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!
He will reign forever on his throne; he will govern with justice.
He’ll judge the world in righteousness, be our refuge in times of trouble.
REFRAIN:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God,
The Everlasting father, the Prince of Peace!
(Repeat REFRAIN twice)
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