1 Father, who hast created all
In wisest love, we pray,
Look on this babe, who at Thy call
Is ent'ring on life's way:
Bend o'er it now with blessing fraught,
And make Thou something out of naught.
2 O Son, who died for us, behold,
We bring our child to Thee!
Great Shepherd, take it to Thy fold,
Thine own for aye to be:
Defend it through this earthly strife,
And lead it in the path of life.
3 O Spirit, brooding o'er the wave,
Descend upon this child:
Give endless life, its spirit lave
With waters undefiled:
Grant it a child of God to be,
A holy temple unto Thee.
4 O God, Thine own command is done:
We speak, but Thine the might:
This child which scarce hath seen the sun,
O pour on it Thy light,
In faith and hope, in joy and love,
Thou Sun of all, below, above!
Amen.
Source: The Hymnal and Order of Service #227
First Line: | Father of heaven, who hast created all |
German Title: | O Vaterherz das Erd und Himmel schuf |
Author: | Albert Knapp (1841) |
Translator: | Catherine Winkworth (1858) |
Meter: | 10.6.10.6.8.8.4 |
Language: | English |
Copyright: | Public Domain |