And you, Bethlehem Ephrathah
being small among the clans of Judah,
from you
for me
one will go out
to rule over Israel
and their going out will be
from the days of old,
from the former days.
Therefore he (God) will give (them up)
-until the time when
the one who is in labour gives birth
and the rest of his brothers/sisters will return
to the sons / daughters of Israel.
And he will stand and shepherd (the people)
in the strength of the LORD
by the majesty of the name of the LORD, his God
and they shall dwell (in peace)
for at that time he will be magnified
even to the ends of the earth.
And this one will be peace:
for if Assyria comes to our land
and marches into our fortresses
we will raise up against them seven shepherds
and eight leaders of people.
Grant, Lord,
that we may hold to you without parting,
worship you without wearying,
serve you without failing;
faithfully seek you,
happily find you,
and forever possess you,
the only God,blessed now and for ever.
Amen
St Anselm