What glories were unfolded
(Sing to Londonderry Air)
What glories were unfolded on that wondrous night
As Christ the babe was born upon this earth!
The holy angels, clothed in garments shining bright
Announced the news of our Redeemer’s birth
To lowly shepherds who, in fear and trembling awe,
Beheld the sky-borne choir on wings unfurled.
They hastened to the manger, where they knelt and saw
A helpless babe, yet Saviour of this sinful world.
The weary Persian magi travelled from afar;
They brought their gifts of incense, myrrh and gold.
How strangely they were guided by a moving star –
And found the babe in humble manger cold.
Yet this was Christ: Messiah and the Son of God
Before Whose face all angels bow the knee,
The Lamb of God, Who was to shed His righteous blood
In sacrifice upon that dreadful, cursèd tree.
He’s born to be a heavenly king, and so much more:
The Shepherd, holy Lamb and great High Priest.
We can but stand in wonder and in breathless awe
And worship Him, from greatest to the least.
As God at last displays His wondrous ancient plan,
We see the depths of mercy now revealed:
Salvation is the gift of life for sinful man,
And grace is by the perfect blood of Jesus sealed.
© John Leonard, September 2018