For Christmas

Translator: John Brownlie

Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8

Source: John Brownlie, Trans., Hymns of the Apostolic Church (Paisley: Alexander Gardner, 1909)
See: Christmas Hymns from John Brownlie

I

The longing eyes that sought the light
Are filled with glad amaze,
As, from the depths of brooding night,
The morning meets their gaze;
O weary night! its hours are past,
And morning light hath dawned at last.

II

O Christ, Who in the heart of God,
Eternal, did'st repose;
Whom to proclaim to earth abroad,
The seer and prophet rose;
Now comes to earth, Incarnate Word,
To tell the love of God our Lord.

III

Now hearts respond that, mute before,
In night and silence dwelt,--
Who longed, in worship, to adore
A love they never felt;
For night is gone, and silence rings,
And every heart responsive, sings.

IV

Hail, Christ of God! Anointed One,
From sin's dark night to free;
Thou art the One-begotten Son
Whom ages longed to see;
O weary night, its hours are past,
And morning light hath dawned at last.