Spirit-Child Jesus

Spirit-child Jesus in joyful refrain,

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn (1996)
Tune: SPIRIT-CHILD
Published in 2 hymnals

Representative Text

Spirit-child Jesus, in joyful refrain,
echoing songs over Bethlehem’s plain,
what will we do when the carols all fade?
“Take up my song: Glory! Be not afraid!”

Spirit-child Jesus, in animal shed,
smiling at shepherds from strange borrowed bed,
what will we do when the manger’s away?
“Take up my story, and live it each day!”

Spirit-child Jesus, in starry white light,
twinkling on evergreens shiny and bright,
what will we do when the branches are shorn?
“Take up my cross that for you I have borne!”

Spirit-child Jesus, in vigilant eyes,
awaiting the gift bearing Love’s great surprise,
what will we do when the presents are done?
“Take up my presence, for I am God’s Son!"

Spirit-child Jesus, in hot tongues of flame,
melting the candle alight in your name,
What will we do when the candle is gone?
“Take up my light! Pass it on, pass it on!”

Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn

Mary Nelson Keithahn, a retired United Church of Christ ordained pastor and church educator, has been a curriculum writer-editor, journalist, and lyricist for musical dramas and anthems. She still works out of her home in Rapid City, South Dakota, as a free-lance writer. In 2016 she published Elfie: Adventures on the Midwest Frontier, a chapter book for children, and Embracing the Light: Reflectioins on God’s Holy Word, a collection of meditations for individual or small group use. Augsburg Fortress also published Sing the Stories of God’s NEW People, the third in a trilogy of Bible story-based collections of songs for young children, written with her longtime colleague, John D. Horman. The two have written over a hundred hymns togethe… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Spirit-child Jesus in joyful refrain,
Title: Spirit-Child Jesus
Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn (1996)
Meter: 10.10.10.10
Source: "Spirit-Child Jesus" (anthem)
Language: English
Notes: Anthem setting published by Abingdon #081343.

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 2 of 2)

Come Away with Me #10

Text

Worship and Song #3062

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