1 Within a makeshift manger-bed
a newborn babe is laid:
a fragile and defenceless child
by whom the stars were made –
for here is the eternal God
who stoops from heaven’s throne
to dignify our mortal life
by making it his own.
2 He knows the raging storms of life
that strain and bruise the soul,
and takes their force into himself
to make the wounded whole;
when hatred’s callous, icy blast
is harsh against his face,
he gently turns rejection round
as patience, love and grace.
3 Then, hanging helpless on a cross
he pays the debt we owe:
his full surrender wins for us
the peace we long to know.
This death, this life, this man, this child
who sleeps where cattle feed
is God’s great gift to humankind
and all the hope we need.
8 6 8 6 D (DCM)
Tunes: DURROW, KINGSFOLD
words © Martin Leckebusch / Jubilate, admin. Jubilate Hymns Ltd
