For the King on His Birthday

For the King on His Birthday

Darkness
All of the world is in darkness
They suffer in all their afflictions
So drowned out by all their addictions
They fall into sin and are lost ones
Who once were called to be God’s sons
They’ve given up longing for right
Far too exhausted to fight
Their reserves are gone, the battle’s lost
When you come with your cross.

 

Light
Shine your perfect light upon them
Like the breaking of a newfound day
Illuminating for them the way
As you call them back to life and peace
That strivings evermore may cease
Let all men come from countries far
As they wonder at your star
And bring, O King, gifts for the cost
Which you must one day pay.

 

Truth
What is this truth you bring to them
You who were born in Bethlehem’s streets
You whom an angel chorus greets
Afar off wise men tell the story
Of the humble King of glory
You who knock upon the heart’s door,
Is it you whom all men search for?
Mighty King of Deity, arise
Wrapped in flesh to heal us.

 

Death
What has a child to do with death?
You who came as a lamb to slaughter
To wash men with blood as by water,
Heaven’s King from royal splendor rent,
Are you Messiah promise sent?
Now by the bleeding of your heart
Chains of Death are torn apart
It is for man’s cause you come, star-crossed
Nailed to an endless fate.

 

Life
Now death is swallowed up in life
By you whose coming darkness shattered
The one to whom all flesh is gathered
You come as a lamb to the slaughter
You wash us with blood as by water
Now by the beauty of your heart
All the lies are torn apart
Savior, kindle fire, melt the frost
Cause all flesh to hail you.

Original Poetry