For Christmas Eve

A communion hymn for you for Christmas Eve. The words are by Margaret Clarkson, and you can listen to it here to music by Nathan Partain.

Gathered 'round Your table on this holy eve,
Viewing Bethlehem's stable we rejoice and grieve;
Joy to see You lying in Your manger bed,
Weep to see You dying in our sinful stead.
 
Prince of Glory, gracing Heav'n ere time began,
Now for us embracing death as Son of Man;
By Your birth so lowly, by Your love so true,
By Your cross most holy, Lord we worship you.
 
Bethlehem's Incarnation, Calvary's bitter cross,
Wrought for us salvation by Your pain and loss;
Now we fall before You in this holy place,
Prostrate we adore You, for Your gift of grace.
 
With profoundest wonder we your body take
laid in manger yonder broken for our sake
Hushed in adoration we approach the cup
Bethlehem’s pure oblation freely offered up
Christmas Babe so tender, Lamb Who bore our sins,
How shall sinners render praises due Your Name?
Do Your own good pleasure in the lives we bring;
In Your ransomed treasure reign forever King.
(And here's a link to last year's Christmas Eve hymn.)