Grace and peace, everybody. It's Labor Day weekend, but, as has been noted on another thread, it is not too early to speak of Christmas. Here's something I've been working on for awhile, with text, tune, and harmonization, including an optional descant, all original. The text was inspired by the work of Caryll Houselander, the English mystic, and I am calling the tune CHRISTMAS PASSION. It is in 8.6.8.6. with the exception of verse 2, which is in 9.5.9.5. Feedback welcome.

1. Thy Christmas light, O God, is wise
And wondrous is Thy Word
Incarnate in Thy Son the Christ,
The Savior and the Lord.

2. The swathing-bands in which our Lady
Wrapped Him from the womb
Foretell the shroud in which His Body
Met a stranger's tomb.

3. A manger rough received His Head;
So was the savage Tree
Where He was crucified, and bled
On height of Calvary.

4. With angels nigh we sinners laud
That Babe's Nativity
Who grew to cry, "O why, my God,
Hast Thou abandoned me?"

5. In town they call the "house of bread"
That manger fed each beast;
A lavish banquet now is spread:
The Eucharistic feast.

6. He came to live, He lived to die,
He died to rise again;
How marvelous the mercies high
That bring such grace to men!

7. Thus may we all, in joy, in strife,
Like wise men, rise and bring
Our love, our losses, and our life
To Jesus Christ our King.

8. Thy Providence, O God, is wise,
Resplendent is Thy Word
Incarnate in Thy Son the Christ,
Our Savior and our Lord!

(c) 2024 Anna Bendiksen. All rights reserved.

(Edited)