Having become increasingly frustrated with the archaic and occasionally impenetrable poetry of our beloved traditional Christmas carols, I thought I’d have a go at something a bit different. 'Incense owns a deity nigh' and 'breathes a life of gathering gloom' aren't doing it for me any more. I don’t imagine for a second that this will challenge ‘We three kings of Orient are…’ in the endless round of carol services, but I hope one or two places might find it an appropriate option for the Epiphany.
Alexander Crawford, after J H Hopkins
Magi come from distant lands,
Bearing presents in their hands.
Such a star, shining far,
Called them across the sands.
O star of wonder, star so bright,
Shining through the dark of night,
Constant guiding, never hiding,
Leading to the one true Light.
Royal gifts of gold they bring
For a child, the world’s true King.
Born so poor, beasts adore,
Shepherds are worshipping.
Boundless love of God outpoured:
Incense shows he is the Lord,
Promised One, God’s own Son;
Worship the living Word.
What awaits this peaceful boy?
Myrrh foretells the path to joy:
Through such pain, Christ will reign,
Dying, will death destroy!
Glorious now, we see him rise,
King, and God, and sacrifice!
‘Alleluia, alleluia,’
Joyful creation cries!
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