52
Hitsuji Wa / Sheep Fast Asleep
1. Sheep fast asleep, there on a hill,
Grass for their bed; all is still.
Cold winter night, the frost appears;
Shepherds keep watch by their fire.
Soft there a sound, far, far away;
Is it the stream? winds at play?
Nay, friend, it is the heavenly choir,
Singing throughout the spheres.
2. Star in the sky, shining so bright,
Silent and pure, wondrous light!
What tidings brings it Israel?
Can we new hope in it find?
Good news it brings! "Fear not, I pray!
Born is God's Son, born today!
God's gift of love to all the earth,
Our Lord, Immanuel."
3. Glory to God! Glory on high!
Sing you "Noel!" Day is nigh!
All you who dwell on earth below,
Peace be to you, and goodwill.
Come, let us go to Bethlehem;
Follow the star, seeking Him.
Let us adore and worship still,
In love and joy to grow.
1. Hitsuji wa nemure ri,
Kusano, toko ni,
Saeyuku fuyu no yo,
Shimo mo mietsu.
Haruka ni, hibiku wa
Kazeka, mizu ka,
Inato yo mitsukai
Utau miuta.
2. Mahiru ni otoranu
Kushiki hikari,
Misora no kanata ni
Terikakaya ku.
Sukui wo motarasu
Kami no miko no
Umareshi yorokobi
Tsuguru hoshi ka.
3. Ame ni wa misakae
Kami ni areya,
Tsuchi ni wa odayaka
Hito ni areto
Mukashi no shirabe wo
Ima ni kaeshi,
Utaeya, tomora yo,
Koemo takaku.
WORDS: Japanese jymn Genzo Miwa, 1907
MUSIC: Trans. John Moss, 1957; alt.Chugoro Torii, 1941
Scripture: Matthew 2:10-11 Luke 2:8-14
Theme: Christmas