For Christmas

Words: Ferdinand Q. Blanchard, 1906

Music: "Mainzer" by Joseph Mainzer, c. 1841
Meter: LM

Source: Henry Sloane Coffin and Ambrose White Vernon, eds., Hymns of the Kingdom of God. New York: The A. S. Barnes Company, 1910, #53, p. 89.

1. O child of lowly manger birth,
    On whose low cry the ages wait,
Lead us Thy way, and every day
    Guide us to see what made Thee great.

2. O Jesus, Youth of Nazareth,
    Preparing for the bitter strife,
Wilt Thou impart to every heart,
    Thy perfect purity of life?

3. O Christ whose words make dear the fields
    And hillsides green of Galilee,
Grant us to find, with reverent mind,
    The truth Thou saidst should make us free.

4. O suffering Lord on Calvary,
    Whom love led on to mortal pain,
We know Thy cross is not a loss
    If we Thy love shall truly gain.

5. O Master of abundant life
    From natal morn to victory's hour,
We look to Thee; heed Thou our plea,
    Teach us to share Thy ageless power.

Sheet Music from Henry Sloane Coffin and Ambrose White Vernon, eds., Hymns of the Kingdom of God. New York: The A. S. Barnes Company, 1910, 1910, #53, p. 89.