News in Bethlehem is a Transcarpathian Christmas carol. Transcarpathia is a unique, multicultural region in western Ukraine, situated south of the Carpathian Mountains, known for its blend of Ukrainian, Hungarian, Slovak, and other European cultures, distinct cuisine, castles, and historical status as part of various states, now forming Ukraine's westernmost oblast, bordering Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. It's characterized by its varied landscapes, unique dialect, and rich heritage influenced by its crossroads location, distinct from other Ukrainian lands due to its mountain isolation.
The carol tells this story: In Bethlehem, News! The Virgin gave birth to a Son, gave birth in grace. The immaculate Virgin is the Mother Mary. She laid him in the manger in a stable in Bethlehem. Joseph comforts the Virgin and helps Mary to swaddle. Glory to God and praise Him. The nativity scene has come: Angels come from heaven, with the Son of God, and they glorify Mary. In the dark night, a strange light strikes the eyes – a bright star showing where Mary has given birth to the Child Jesus. Not far away, shepherds grazed their flock in the valley. They travel to the manger to see Mary and her Child.
In Bethlehem today the news:
The Most Pure Virgin gave birth to a Son,
Swaddled in a manger, among the cattle, | (2X)
The God rested on the hay, unclothed. |
Already the Cherubim sing glory,
The angelic choirs of the Lord soar,
The poor shepherd carries what he can, | (2X)
To bestow gifts on the Child of God. |
And the bright star of the world cries out:
The Messiah brings joy, happiness!
To Bethlehem, all of you, hasten now, | (2X)
Welcome God in the poor Child! |
Following the light of the star somewhere from the east
Three lords of princely lineage come,
Gold, gifts, incense, myrrh | (2X)
At once with a pure heart they bring as an offering. |
Mary, the Mother of her Son, cherishes her Son,
Joseph, the old man, warms the swaddling clothes,
And the King of the universe in winter and pain | (2X)
Blesses us for a better fate. |
Dear Jesus, we are not rich,
We cannot give you gifts of gold,
But we bring a gift more precious than peace, | (2X)
This is the faith of the heart, this is sincere love. |
Look with a sincere eye, O Son of God,
On our land, on Ukraine,
Send her a great gift from heaven, | (2X)
So that she may glorify You forever and ever. |
News in Bethlehem - Ternopil Theological Greek-Catholic Seminary
News in Bethlehem - Honored Academic Transcarpathian Folk Choir
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