A New Hymn for Christmastide, by Pr. Fred Baue

(Editor’s Note: In the last few days we have  emphasized the gay agenda in the LCMS, and there is more to come on this,  but remembering that BJS is  more about building up the church than  it is critiquing the church, we offer for the Brothers’ edification a nice break  via this new hymn text by Pastor Baue. The two weeks of Christmas are filled with great and profound  stories of Holy Scripture. This hymn captures those stories and would be great to sing  at the Divine Service on December 28  or for  personal devotion on the 26th, 27th and 28th. Are there any parishes out there that do Matins or Morning Prayer on these feast days?)

(Tune: Tree of Life LSB 561)

 

1.  December 25 The Nativity of Our Lord

O Jesus Christ, born of a maid,

In lowly manger you were laid.

The sheep and ox in silence stood

Around this cradle made of wood.

For you were born on Christmas Day,

The Lamb who took our sins away

As all Creation, speechless, cried,

When on a wooden cross you died.

 

2.  December 26 St. Stephen, the First Martyr

You rolled the stone of death away

And rose alive on the Eighth Day;

Ascended to your throne on high

To rule and reign, no more to die.

St. Stephen by a stone was killed,

Yet he gave witness as God willed.

He saw your glory as he died.

“O Lord, forgive their sins,” he cried.

 

3.  December 27 St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

Lord Jesus Christ, Incarnate Word,

You danced and sang and made the world,

And dwelt among us—truth and grace

And love to save our fallen race.

As St. John leaned upon your breast,

By faith he came to peace and rest,

Confessing all he saw and heard

That we through him might love the Word.

 

4.  December 28 The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Why do the heathen rage and spite?

Like Herod on that bloody night.

In anger vain he drew his sword

To kill the Everlasting Word.

The blessed Holy Innocents

Said not a word, gave no defense.

Yet by their blood they signify

That little saints can testify.

 

5. Doxology

Now let us praise the Three in One:

The Father, Spirit, and the Son,

Incarnate full in Christ the Lord.

He came to bring not peace, but sword,

And sent forth holy martyrs true,

Who boldly spoke of what they knew.

May we take their example good—

Confessing, though it cost our blood.  

 

Meter: 88 88 88 88

 

Copyright © 2008 Frederic W. Baue

The author hereby grants permission to reproduce, by print or electronic means, at no charge, the text of this hymn during the 2008 Christmas season.

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