This morning I sat down at the piano and decided to play through the Christmas section of our hymnal, since my old Christmas piano books seem to have disappeared. The words of a particular advent hymn resonated with me.
O How Shall I Receive Thee?
(Melchior Teschner [1584-1635]; Paul Gerhardt, trans. by Arthur T. Russel)
Verse one:
O how shall I receive Thee, how greet Thee, Lord aright?
All nations long to see Thee, my hope, my heart’s delight!
O kindle, Lord, most holy, Thy lamp within my breast,
To do in spirit lowly all that may please Thee best.
Verse four:
Love caused Thy Incarnation, love brought Thee down to me;
Thy thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.
O love, beyond all telling, that led Thee to embrace
In love, all love excelling, our lost and fallen race!
How beautiful and all-encompassing is the love of our God in Christ Jesus, our Lord! May thoughts of Him increase your joy this Christmas season.
Beautiful, Jan. Thanks for sharing this new-to-me song. A merry and joy-filled Christmas to you and yours!
We rarely sing this anymore, so many new songs, but the words hit me.
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and yours too.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful hymn and your beautiful thoughts on the love of God. May God bless you and your family at Christmas and always.
And God’s blessings on you ad your family this Christmas too, Sharon.
Wishing you and your family peace and happiness over the holidays, making precious memories together.
Thanks, Chris, and the same good wishes to you and your family. See you in the new year.