John Wright Follette
(1884-1966)
I do not know the depths of mystery
Far hidden in the fact that Christ was born;
God only asks that we by faith receive
The mystery brought forth on Christmas morn.
To fully know would rob us of our faith,
Our hearts demand some food beyond the mind.
So let us feast our hearts in faith today,
Receiving God’s great Gift to all mankind.
Redemption’s plan called forth this marked display
Of condescending love to stoop and save.
A body He must have in which to die;
A virgin from the race this body gave.
So God the Son was pleased to link Himself
To man and yield Himself to Calvary.
Lo! He is ours today—both God and man.
Hail, Christmas morn! we love thy mystery.
To depths of poverty He came to live.
He knows the language of the human heart—
In all points tempted like as we and yet,
No sin was found in Him in any part.
The incarnation speaks humility,
For God was clothed with flesh that natal day.
Let us with thanks receive the mystery —
Divinity comes down to dwell in clay.