WHEN CAME IN FLESH THE INCARNATE WORD

When came in flesh the incarnate Word,\nThe heedless world slept on,\nAnd only simple shepherds heard\nThat God has sent his Son.\n2. When comes the Saviour at the last,\nFrom East to West shall shine\nThe awful pomp, and earth aghast\nShall tremble at the sign.\n3. Then shall the pure of heart be blest;\nAs mild he comes to them,\nAs when upon the Virgin’s breast\nHe lay at Bethlehem.\n4. As mild to meek-eyed love and faith,\nOnly more strong to save;\nStrengthened by having bowed to death,\nBy having burst his grace.\n5. Lord, who could dare see thee descend\nIn state, unless he knew\nThou art the sorrowing sinner’s friend,\nThe gracious and the true?\n6. Dwell in our hearts, O Saviour blest;\nSo shall thine advent’s dawn\nTwixt us and Thee, our bosom-guest,\nBe but the veil withdrawn. Amen.\n58