"How comes He with a voice Which is but baby-noise? That Voice which spake with might: 'Let there be light!' and light Sprang out before our sight. "What need hath He of flesh Made flawless now afresh? What need of human heart? Heart that must bleed and smart, Choosing the better part. "But see: His gracious smile To serve Him in His kin. Like stars they flash and shoot, 3. Lo! newborn Jesus, Soft and weak and small, Wrapped in baby's bands Lord God of all. Lord God of Mary, Whom His Lips caress While He rocks to rest On her milky breast In helplessness. Lord God of shepherds Flocking through the cold, Flocking through the dark To the only Ark, The only Fold. Lord God of all things, Be they near or far, Be they high or low; Lord of storm and snow, Angel and star. Lord God of all men, My Lord and my God! Thou who lovest me, Keep me close to Thee By staff and rod. Lo! newborn Jesus, Loving great and small, Love's free Sacrifice, Opening Arms and Eyes To one and all. A CANDLEMAS DIALOGUE. "LOVE brought Me down; and cannot love make thee Carol for joy to Me? Hear cheerful robin carol from his tree, Who owes not half to Me I won for thee." "Yea, Lord, I hear his carol's wordless voice; And well may he rejoice Who hath not heard of death's discordant noise. So might I too rejoice With such a voice." "True, thou hast compassed death; but hast not thou The tree of life's own bough? Am I not Life and Resurrection now? My Cross balm-bearing bough · For such as thou?" "Ah me, Thy Cross! —but that seems far away; Thy Cradle-song to-day I too would raise, and worship Thee and pray: Not empty, Lord, to-day Send me away." "If thou wilt not go empty, spend thy store; And I will give thee more, Yea, make thee ten times richer than before. Give more and give yet more Out of thy store." "Because Thou givest me Thyself, I will Thy blessed word fulfil, Give with both hands, and hoard by giving still; Thy pleasure to fulfil, And work Thy Will." |