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For the Beauty of the Earth (DIX) (Handbells, 3-5 octaves plus handchimes, 2 octaves, Level 3-)

The hymn tune DIX is usually sung with the texts For the Beauty of the Earth and As with Gladness Men of Old (the latter most often at Christmas).

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild,

For yourself, best gift divine,
To the world so freely given,
Agent of God’s grand design:
Peace on earth and joy in heaven.

As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold,
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.

As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heav’n and earth adore;
So may we, with willing feet,
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heav’nly King.

Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

Hymn Tune: DIX
Find metrically-matched hymn texts

This melody is also sung with the Christmas carol As With Gladness Men of Old.

Handbells (three, four, or five octaves)
Level 3-

Preview:

Single Copy Version: $5.00 US
Handbell Choir Version: $25.00 US

Video of three octaves:

Video of five octaves:


Other arrangements available for eight handbells and twelve handbells.

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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