530. Christmas Eve Hymn

Here's yet another attempt to transform "The 12 Days of Christmas" into a substantively Christian, Christmas hymn – more specifically, a hymn for Christmas Eve. It also has a bit of "Deck the Halls" in it, and a hint of "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day." What can I say? I can't help myself. And in case you miss it, stanza 2 is trying to draw a connection between the mystery of the incarnation and the Holy Sacrament. As I saw written somewhere, "what was laid in the manger is raised up at the altar." I have no particular tune in mind at this time.

Dark and expectant was the night,
All hope so long since stilled,
When o'er the fields the sons of light
Declared the time fulfilled.
Drum, hearts! Pipe, voices! Leap and dance
That our true Love so much did chance!

Let us away to view the sign—
The Babe in manger laid—
Where God in flesh has pitched His shrine
And very Man is made!
Caress, yea, kiss the Virgin's Son;
Receive by mouth all He has won!

The milk of kindness pours on earth;
All eyes with joy must swim.
The broody time brings forth to birth
The light of life in Him.
Now don we all a jeweled crown,
Since God with us is bended down.

Bold let us call the tidings out,
Nor merely cluck and coo!
For Christ will come down with a shout
Once more, in public view:
He who alone on tree was hung
Shall then by all be seen and sung.

ART: "Annunciation to the Shepherds," miniature, c. 1485-1490, public domain.