(Luke l:32)

Once at the end of ages
A wondrous Child appeared-
Eternal and Almighty-
By angel hosts revered.

O paradox of wonder-
Immortal, yet must die!
He only filled the manger
In death's dark tomb to lie.

Since He was the almighty,
No outward power compelled
Him on the cross to suffer-
By love He was impelled.

Not all the power of demons,
Nor earth and hell combined,
Could nail Him to the gibbet
Had He been disinclined.

Yes, it was love that brought Him,
And love that held Him there,
Upon that tree of anguish,
That we His joys might share

Since He was the eternal,
He only could provide
For man's eternal blessing
By being crucified.

Oh, love supreme-unfathomed!
Oh, love revealed below-
Love that to guilty mortals
Came down through seas of woe!

O ransomed soul, adore Him!
Praise, praise His peerless name,
For coming from the glory
To bear our sin and shame.

Peal forth your happy anthems,
While pressing on your way
To join the choir immortal,
To sing His praise for aye.

For He alone is worthy
Of heaven's endless praise;
To Him all heirs of glory
Shall their hosannas raise.

C. C. Crowston.