And they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. -Matthew 1:23
Tiny in this manger laid— Hands that very worlds have made, Hands that stars have rich arrayed, Grasp a mother’s thumb. Wrapped within this makeshift bed— Feet that, as the prophets said, Feet to crush the serpent’s head Nestle in the straw. Hail the Virgin, meek and mild, Hail her sovereign, sacred Child, Holy, harmless, undefiled, True Man, yet very God.
Justin Collings is Academic Vice President at BYU-Provo, and a law professor at the J. Reuben Clark Law School. He and his family enjoy music, literature, languages, travel, and time together.
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“Love me!” we cry. “I am,” says God. “Save me!” We cry. “I am,” says God. “Be with me always.” “Always.” God is with us. In that we find love, salvation, and life.
God, that came on earth this morn,
In a manger lying,
Hallow'd birth by being born,
Hallow'd death by dying.
Thank you for your beautiful verse, Justin. I've added it to my Advent notes. Happy Three Kings day!