Virgin birth (Vol 2 No 84)
Joseph’s dreams and angels focus in the tale
On God’s intervention, purposed to unveil
God’s own visitation in a baby child;
God is born as human; loved and yet reviled.
In this ageless story is a virgin birth,
Told to sing God’s glory; told throughout the earth.
Built on Hebrew Scripture; we should be perplexed;
In the quoted verses, from Isaiah’s text
Virgin is not mentioned; nothing strange takes place;
Of things so unnat’ral we will find no trace.
This belief has flourished; strong belief it breeds,
For it has established doctrine for the creeds.
Joseph was a dreamer, like the one of old;
Like that tribal father dreamt what he was told.
Joseph stayed with Mary; did not mind the scorn;
Took her for his wife before the babe was born.
Angels offered guidance in his dreams at night;
Gave him great assurance, strength to do the right.
In our celebration of this mystery,
As we see a baby lying helplessly,
Love in all its wonder can infuse our soul,
Breathe in us compassion as it takes control.
With this myth and legend, joyfully expressed,
We are quietly strengthened; we are strangely blest.
Tune Armageddon Not in AHB or TiS Presbyterian Hymnary 519
Download & listen to the tune
84.pdf