ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast given us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon Him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; grant that we being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit, through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, ever one GOD, world without end. Amen!
The Homily for the Nativity, &c.
Father, our hearts we lift Up to thy gracious throne, And bless thee for the precious gift Of thine incarnate Son. The gift unspeakable We thankfully receive, And to the world thy goodness tell: Oh may we to thee live!
JESUS, the Holy Child, Doth by his birth declare, That GOD and man are reconcil’d, And one in Him we are. Salvation, through his name, To lost mankind is giv’n, And loud his infant cries proclaim, A peace ’twixt earth and heav’n.
A peace on earth he brings, Which never more shall end; The LORD of hosts, the King of kings, Declares himself our friend; Assumes our flesh and blood, Angels the wonder scan, The everlasting Son of GOD, The mortal Son of man.
O may we all receive The new-born Prince of Peace, And meekly in his Spirit live, And in his love increase! Till He convey us home, Cry ev’ry soul aloud, Come, thou desire of nations, come, And take us all to GOD.