1. Bearer of the world's salvation,
Lo, a virgin pure and mild,
Humble-hearted, low in station,
Form of beauty undefiled,
Crown of Earth's anticipation,
Comes the mother maid with child.
2. See in flesh so great a wonder
By the pow'r of God ordained:
Him, whose feet all worlds lay under,
In a virgin's womb contained,
Earthly bonds to put asunder,
Righteousness from Heav'n has rained.
3. Mary sweet, with love o'erflowing,
To the hills in haste she fares,
On a kindred heart bestowing
Blessing from the joy she bears,
Waiting while with mystic showing
Time the sacred birth prepares.
4. What fair joy o'ershown that dwelling,
Called so great a guest to greet!
What her joy whose love compelling
Found a rest for Mary's feet.
When, the bliss of time foretelling,
Lo, the Voice and Word did meet!
Source: Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship #183
Housman, Lawrence, author and artist, was born July 18, 1867, at Bromsgrove, Worcs. His devotional poetry is principally in his Spikenard, 1898, and Bethlehem, 1902. To the English Hymnal, 1906, he contributed eight translations (142, 188, 191, 228, 229, 230, 231, 234); also three original hymns, with a fourth previously published, viz.:—
1. Lord God of Hosts, within Whose hand. St. George.
2. The Maker of the sun and moon. Christmas. From Bethlehem, 1902, p. 75.
3. The Saint who first found grace to pen. St. Mark.
4. When Christ was born in Bethlehem. Holy Innocents. [Rev. James Mearns, M.A.]
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)… Go to person page >
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