You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

136. Our Lord's Circumcision

1 The year begins with Thee,
And Thou begin'st with woe,
To let the world of sinners see
That blood for sin must flow.

2 Am I a child of tears,
Cradled in care and woe?
And seems it hard my vernal years
Few vernal joys can show?

3 I look, and hold my peace:
The Giver of all good
Even from the womb takes no release
From suffering, tears, and blood.

4 That I may reap in love,
Help me to sow in fear:
So life a winter's morn may prove
To a bright endless year.

Text Information
First Line: The year begins with Thee
Title: Our Lord's Circumcision
Author: John Keble (1827, a.)
Meter: S. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1890
Topic: New Year; Circumcision; Name of Christ (1 more...)
Notes: Now Public Domain. Alternate tune #375
Tune Information
Name: DEDICATION
Meter: S. M.
Key: G Major
Notes: Public Domain.



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.