By Glory

By Glory

By glory at Christmas,
Raised into God’s light,
Child comes to his planet,
his hard cross in sight.

By glory the angels
praise this One who comes,
tell us that he’s living;
with shepherds we run.

By glory the Gospel,
God’s justice and care,
we love one another,
to do right we dare.

By glory this Jesus,
God’s Immanuel,
with joy as his future,
all darkness dispels.

By glory friend Francis
depicted the birth,
with cradle and oxen,
he joined him to earth.

By glory at midnight
built manger and stall,
and now infant Jesus
is worshipped by all.

Ted Witham
Christmas AD 2011

Metre: 11.11.11.11 anapaestic
(‘Cradle Song’ TiS 318 or ‘Thailand’ TiS 164)

Australian Christmas Tree (Nuytsia floribunda)

St Francis makes Christmas come alive

Brother Donkey, next to glory,
not an ass, but servant true;
Carries loads and finds in serving
how to live the life made new.

Next to glory, next to glory,
Christ our Jesus the Most High.
Next to glory, Christ our Jesus
comes to live in public eye.

Sister Ewe-sheep, next to glory,
clothes of wool, and meat provides,
bred and born for sacrificing,
generous in her love supplied.

Next to glory, next to glory,
Christ our Jesus the Most High.
Next to glory, Christ our Jesus
comes to live in public eye.

Brother Sheep-dog, next to glory,
faithful friend, who rounds up throngs.
Master’s love evangelises,
and brings us where we belong.

Next to glory, next to glory,
Christ our Jesus the Most High.
Next to glory, Christ our Jesus
comes to live in public eye.

Human baby, next to glory,
plays the role of God with us.
He grows up with Christ as his friend:
Mother’ s joy with others’ blends.

Next to glory, next to glory,
Christ our Jesus the Most High.
Next to glory, Christ our Jesus
comes to live in public eye.

Brother Francis, next to glory,
makes the crib to tell the tale;
each one living has a story:
puts all life on glory’s trail.

Next to glory, next to glory,
Christ our Jesus the Most High.
Next to glory, Christ our Jesus
comes to live in public eye.

Metre: 8787D

Tune:
e.g. Blanwern
OR  “What A Friend We Have in Jesus (Converse)”

© Ted Witham 2008

The first nativity scene at Greccio - Giotto