At birth he lay in borrowed manger

1 At birth he lay in borrowed manger;
in the inn was found no room.
In death's dark hour a friendly stranger
placed him in a borrowed tomb.
So bold and brave, Christ scorned the grave.
His life he gave, the world to save.
He seeks a home - not tomb or manger;
in our hearts let us make room.

2 At birth the shepherds came to cheer him
told by angels where he was.
At death the crowds turned out to jeer him
dying on a cruel cross.
On that grim day, when sin held sway,
Christ showed the way, our debt to pay;
and still today, if we will hear him,
he will take our pain and loss.

3 At birth wise men sought to prepare him,
bringing incense, myrrh, and gold.
At death a drug was brought to spare him
as the agony took hold.
The death he died all hell defied;
his mercy wide bridged the divide.
Christ is the gift; we too must share him,
as the saving truth is told.

4 His birth fulfilled long expectation,
born to save both rich and poor.
His death, removing condemnation,
opened wide the heavenly door.
Now he is king, his praise we sing;
our worship bring, an offering.
This message is our sure foundation,
Christ is Lord for evermore.

John Capon
© John Capon /admin. The Jubilate Group

Irregular
Suggested tune: Linden Lea