Take on the mind of Christ

Take on the mind of Christ our Lord: though God in every way,

He did not cling to heav’nly form, but gave himself away.

 

Take on the mind of Christ our Lord: he took a servant mind,

Yes, Christ, the Everlasting One took on our human kind.

 

Take on the mind of Christ our Lord, who did not call it loss

To be obedient to the end of death upon a cross.

 

So at the name of Christ our Lord, let every knee now bend,

And every tongue confess him Lord forever, without end.

 

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, 2019-20, after Philippians 2:5-8 (10-11)

MUSIC: Tune DETROIT, Supplement to Kentucky Harmony, 1820.

The first three stanzas were written about a year ago, more as a challenge or test than for any particular immediate usage. Lo and behold, the passage appears in the lectionary in a couple of weeks, and that last half I didn't know what to do with suddenly became verse four. 

In time of Advent

In time of Advent we await God's son in humble birth.

To angel choirs and shepherds' fame our hearts rejoice and lips exclaim,

"We pray your will be done! O come, Lord Jesus, come!"

 

Yet now, in days of hateful song, the guiding star's light dims.

As factions thrive on driving fear and threaten those whom you hold dear,

Our hope has come undone. O come, Lord Jesus, come.

 

Amidst the strife and raging fire we long to know you near.

We yearn for holy majesty and pray with longing, "Can we see

Our lives and souls redone?" O come, Lord Jesus, come.

 

So guide our steps and actions here in this unraveling time,

So that your Son born long ago will be the only Lord we know.

We pray your will be done! O come, Lord Jesus, come.

 

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, September 2020.

MUSIC: Tune REPTON, C. Hubert H. Parry, 1888.

 

 

 

Part of the Advent Hymnary project.