Long in the spirit-world my soul had sought

Long in the spirit-world my soul had sought
Some friendly being, close to her akin;
Long had prepared a dwelling in her thought
And heart for such an one; for she could win
Through Him alone her strength, for Him she yearned,
Toward Him her fervent longing ever burned.

And rich the world in things invisible,
In heathen gods, and spirits great and small,
And bright and dark; yet ever did she dwell
Alone, for One was wanting 'mid them all;
One having might and glory, rich in love,
God, who as man could shame and weakness prove.

Then came the Word, and took on Him our flesh,
And dwelt with men, here in the world of sight,
And made an end of strife, and linked afresh
Our sinful earth unto the throne of light;
Into His ancient glory He is gone,
And yet He dwells with us till time be done.

Thus, O my soul, hast thou received thy will;
The glory of the world of ghosts is dim
Before the One, who is and was, and still
Shall ever be; all hearts are fixed on Him,
And spirit worlds, since He is there, become
Hallowed and safe to thee, thy proper home.

Thou soarest now through all their heights sublime,
And not as once dost empty back return,
But gazing on Thy God, forgettest time
Beneath His loving glance, whence thou wouldst learn
How thou shouldst love, and know His Word aright:
Ah, blest the love and faith that ask not sight!

Source: Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year #78