Embrace the Son (Extended 1)

Why did the Gentiles tumults raise?

What rage was in their brain?

Why do the people still contrive

a thing that is but vain?

The kings and rulers of the earth

conspire and are all bent

Against the Lord, and Christ his Son,

whom he among us sent.

Shall we be bound to them? Say they,

let all their bonds be broke;

And of their doctrine and their law

let us reject the yoke.

But he that in the heav’n doth dwell,

their doings will deride;

And make them all as mocking-stocks

throughout the world do wide.

For in his wrath he shall reprove

their pride and scornful way,

And in his fury trouble them,

and unto them shall say,

I have anointed him my King

upon my holy hill;

I will therefore, Lord, preach thy law

according to thy will:

The law whereof the Lord himself

hath thus said unto me,

Thou art my only Son, this day

have I begotten thee.

The people I will give to thee,

as heirs at thy request

The ends and coasts of all the earth

by thee shall be possessed.

Thou shalt them bruise e’en like to those

that under foot are trod,

And as a potter’s vessel break

them with an iron rod.

Now ye, O kings and rulers all,

be wise therefore and learned,

By who the matters of the world

are judged and discerned.

See that ye serve the Lord above

in trembling and in fear;

See that with rev’rence ye rejoice

when ye to him draw near:

See that ye do embrace and kiss

his Son without delay;

Lest in his wrath ye suddenly

Perish from the right way.

If once his wrath (but little) shall

be kindled in his breast,

Then only they that

Grant us the courage, quiet heart

To seek the path you show

To turn our hearts from bitter pride

And gently learn to grow

Let mercy move between our hands

And justice in our days

Teach us the softness of your voice

And guide us in your ways

Oh let us trust where light is thin

When shadow clouds the way

In patient hope, we wait and sing

For dawn to end the gray

Beneath your watch, the silent years

Still hold us safe from harm

Shelter us, oh faithful One

Forever in your arms

And if the night is long and cold

Remind our hearts to stay

Not drifting far into despair

But waiting through the gray

When silence sings above our fears

And sorrow fills our eyes

Draw near, O Light, renew the world

Let tenderness arise

Your promise written in the dawn

Still brightens every tear

May kindness shape our every step

While we are wandering here

Grant us peace we long to find

Through every trial and strain

Hold us when

When morning breaks through silver mist

And shadows start to fade

We gather up forgotten hopes

And lay our burdens down

The fields await with gentle rain

The rivers softly run

Guide us where compassion grows

And let your will be done

If sorrow lingers in the light

And silence fills the air

Remind us we are not alone

Your quiet love is there

Let gratitude within us rise

For mercies known and new

May every word and every breath

Return our hearts to You