268. The Word, with God the Father One

The Word, with God the Father One

Before the heavens and earth were made,

Is now the Virgin's new-born Son,

Upon her lowly bosom laid.

Already o'er His sinless Head

The streams of wrath begin to flow; .

Already on His infant bed

The taste of grief He deigns to know.

The lowliest poverty He bears

That we may be with wealth supplied;

He weeps: O precious grief and tears!

Through Him the world is purified.

An humble dress, a mean abode,

A life obscure, His glory hide:

Proud man, behold thy lowly God,

And let the sight destroy thy pride.

Jesu, who earnest from on high

To be the Lamb for sinners slain,

Leave not Thy ransomed flock to die,

Nor let Thy toil be spent in vain. Amen.

See also the Hymns for New Year's Day, and Nos. 146 and 168.