"[He] took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:7
Words: Thomas Pestel (1584-1659), in Sermons and Devotions Old and New, as stanzas 5-9 of "A Psalm for Christmas Day Morning" (starting "Fairest of morning lights appear"). Pestel was a chaplain to King Charles I.
Music: "This Endris Nyght," 15th Century
 Play MIDI | Link to obtain musical score info |
Behold the great Creator makes
Himself a house of clay,
A robe of virgin flesh He takes
Which He will wear for ay.
Hark, hark, the wise eternal Word,
Like a weak infant cries!
In form of servant is the Lord,
And God in cradles lies.
This wonder struck the world amazed,
It shook the starry frame;
Squadrons of spirits stood and gazed,
Then down in troops they came.
Glad shepherds ran to view this sight;
A choir of angels sings,
And eastern sages with delight
Adore this King of kings.
Join then, all hearts that are not stone,
And all our voices prove,
To celebrate this holy One
The God of peace and love.
