A post a day--Dec. 16: "Savior of the World"

Here's another hymn that's not really a Christmas carol, but the words trace Christ's life from birth to future reign.  I have loved the words of this hymn for many years, and my favorite version to listen to is on Stephen Eager's recording, Breath of Life.  Absolutely beautiful.

"Savior of the World"

I cannot tell why He whom angels worship

should set His love upon the sons of men,

or, why, as Shepherd, He should seek the wanderers,

to bring them back, they know not how or when:

But this I know, that He was born of Mary,

when Bethlehem's manger was His only home,

and that He lived at Nazareth and labored,

and so the Savior, Savior of the world is come.

I cannot tell how silently He suffered,

as with His peace He graced this place of tears,

or how upon the cross His heart was broken,

the crown of pain to three and thirty years:

But this I know, He heals the broken-hearted,

and stays our sin, and calms our lurking fear,

and lifts the burden from the heavy laden,

and so the Savior, Savior of the world is here.

I cannot tell how all the lands will worship,

when, at His bidding, every storm is stilled,

or who can say how great the jubilation

when all the hearts of men with love are filled:

But this I know, the skies will fill with gladness,

and myriad myriad human voices ring,

and earth to heaven, and heaven to earth, will answer,

at last the Savior, Savior of the world is King.

~words by W.Y. Fullerton

~sung to the tune of "Londonderry Air"