The Incarnation
The Incarnation
Original Text
Isa Craig Knox, Songs of Consolation (London: Macmillan, 1874): 3-4. 11652.f.35 British Library
1Not in cloud and not in thunder,
2Filling all the world with wonder,
3 Came to earth the Lord of earth;
4But with helpless cries and tears,
5Mid a mother's pains and fears,
6 Entered by the gate of birth.
7By the way of flesh he came --
8How else could he kindred claim?
9 How else, save life's path he trod,
10Coming in the way of breath,
11Going out the way of death,
12 Be himself the way to God?
13Living words by prophets spoken,
14Hearts with longing well nigh broken,
15 Expectation in the air;
16Blind desire of every nation,
17Eyes that waited for salvation,
18 Coming of the Son declare.
19Thus he came, our new beginning,
20For the death doom of our sinning,
21 Giving us God's life again:
22Then a bright new star shone o'er us,
23Then began that heavenly chorus,
24 `Peace on earth, good will to men.'
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
RPO 2001
Rhyme