This morning I sat down at the piano and decided to play through the Christmas section of our hymnal, since my old Christmas piano books seem to have disappeared. The words of a particular advent hymn resonated with me.
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O How Shall I Receive Thee?
(Melchior Teschner [1584-1635]; Paul Gerhardt, trans. by Arthur T. Russel)
Verse one:
O how shall I receive Thee, how greet Thee, Lord aright?
All nations long to see Thee, my hope, my heart’s delight!
O kindle, Lord, most holy, Thy lamp within my breast,
To do in spirit lowly all that may please Thee best.
Verse four:
Love caused Thy Incarnation, love brought Thee down to me;
Thy thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.
O love, beyond all telling, that led Thee to embrace
In love, all love excelling, our lost and fallen race!
How beautiful and all-encompassing is the love of our God in Christ Jesus, our Lord! May thoughts of Him increase your joy this Christmas season.
Janice L. Dick 