Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#44

44. The year begins with Thee

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 Thine infant cries, O Lord,
Thy tears upon the breast,
Are not enough,--the legal sword
Must do its stern behest.

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

4 Seemeth it strange to me
My own will to deny?
Seemeth it sad, my soul, to thee,
Under the yoke to lie?

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

6 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
• Author: John Keble (1824)
• Meter: S. M. No. 3
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: The Church Year: New Year; New Year's Day

Tune Information

• Name: BARNBY (Passion)
• Composer: Joseph Barnby (1863)
• Meter: S. M. No. 3
• Key: E♭ Major