Redeemer, Jesus, Life of Man
Hymn XXXI
Hymn for our Lord's Nativity (I.)
Source: Richard Mant, Ancient Hymns from the Roman Breviary (London: Rivingtons, 1871), pp. 69-70.
Redeemer, Jesus, Life of man,
Begotten ere the light began,
Of the Paternal Light supreme,
Co-equal, co-eternal Beam:
Bright Image of the Father's mind,
Perennial Hope of all mankind.
Hear Thou the vows, by land, by sea,
Which all Thy servants pour to Thee.
Maker of all, Thy flock regard;
And think, with us to dwell prepared,
How Thou didst once our form assume,
Born of the Virgin's holy womb.
Bear witness this auspicious morn,
Which ages past beheld Thee born,
That Thou to save us camest alone
Forth issuing from Thy Father's throne.
Him stars, and earth, the wat'ry main,
Him all that heaven's broad belts contain,
That new salvation's Author praise,
With welcoming of new-made lays.
And we, for whom thy holy blood
Has pour'd a sanctifying flood,
To Thee, on this Thy natal day,
Our tributary anthem pay.
Jesus, to Thee be glory paid,
Blest Offspring of the spotless Maid;
Thee with thy Sire, His glory's Heir,
And Him, the gracious Comforter.
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