DeFord Music--Free downloadable sheet music for LDS and other Christian use: If I Had Been In Bethlehem

If I Had Been In Bethlehem

This song was written for my oldest daughter, Jennifer. It occurred to me, one evening shortly before Christmas, that if we had lived anywhere near Bethlehem, this intrepid young 7-year-old really would have followed the shepherds or the wise men, and she probably wouldn't have asked permission, or told me where she was going.

Scores
Children: PDF / .pc
Flute (Children's version): PDF / .pc
SATB w/flute: PDF / .pc

Recordings

MP3 Recording by Angie Jack:

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MP3 Accompaniment Track:

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CD: If I Had Been In Bethlehem

Lyrics

If I had been in Bethlehem
   the night of Jesus' birth
And heard afar the angels' joyful song
   of peace on earth
If I had seen the shepherds come
   to seek the baby fair
I think I would have followed them,
   and knelt beside them there

If I had lived in eastern lands
   and watched with eager eyes
If I had seen his star appear
   and blaze among the skies
If I had seen the wise men go
   to seek the newborn King
I think I would have followed them,
   my finest gifts to bring

I did not live in Bethlehem
   that Christmas night of old
Or travel with the wise men there,
   to bring him gifts of gold
But I can give a greater gift
   than any earthly gem
For all my heart and all my love
   will be my gift to him.

Church Music Contest: Children's Song Division - 1st place 1988
Appeared in The Friend magazine, December 1989

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