Tune:  While shepherds watched their flocks by night

In verse one, the traditional phrase ‘of the Lord’ might be replaced with ‘of God’s love’.

While people gaze in shops and stores
for presents they might give,
‘the angel of the Lord’ steps out
inviting us to live.

‘Fear not’, says she (for she has seen
frustration in our gaze)
‘good news I bring your futile search,
good news to fill your days’.

‘Not here in tinsel town is found
the source of human joy
but in the gift of one small child,
th’ eternal in a boy

And if you should desire to find
this infant birth of love,
just turn your eyes upon the world,
then inwards, then above.

For God has made a lasting home
beyond the shining throng,
here in the hearts and minds of those
who care to right the wrong.

All glory, then, is found in pain
and struggle for the peace
that is not won except through loss
of self and God’s increase.

Photo:  Hand Angel, Angel Festival, Salisbury United Reformed Church, UK