Scripture Verse

[He] made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:7

Introduction

portrait
Neil Barham (1962–)

Words: Neil Bar­ham, 2005.

Music: St. Co­lum­ba, an­cient Ir­ish tune (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

In mute as­ton­ish­ment and awe,
The an­gels learn God’s plan
To send His Un­cre­at­ed Son
Down to the Earth—as Man!

From Light Eter­nal shines the Light,
And Sa­tan’s night is ended;
Its bril­liance breaks up­on the world
In day un­com­pre­hend­ed.

The Word, en­fleshed, in­vades His world,
And speaks the words of life:
Lay down your arms, my re­bel sons;
Be re­con­ciled from strife.

Immortal God, yet mor­tal man,
With men He makes His dwell­ing,
And we be­hold His glo­ry here,
In grace be­yond all tell­ing.

His grace and truth, His abun­dant love,
His grand, gi­gan­tic meek­ness
Appear to us in hu­man form,
In om­ni­po­tent weak­ness.

Incarnate God, em­brace me now,
And by your Spi­rit’s art,
Enflesh the Word of God anew
Within my yield­ed heart.