Lo! Newborn Jesus

Lo! newborn Jesus
Soft and weak and small,
Wrapped in baby’s bands
By His Mother’s hands,
Lord God of all.

Lord God of Mary,
Whom His Lips caress
While He rocks to rest
On her milky breast
In helplessness.

Lord God of shepherds
Flocking through the cold,
Flocking through the dark
To the only Ark,
The only Fold.

Lord God of all things
Be they near or far,
Be they high or low;
Lord of storm and snow,
Angel and star.

Lord God of all men, –
My Lord and my God!
Thou who lovest me,
Keep me close to Thee
By staff and rod.

Lo! newborn Jesus
Loving great and small,
Love’s free Sacrifice,
Opening Arms and Eyes
To one and all.

—Christina Rossetti

Comments

[Scott McClare]

It's a sign you've been online for too many years when at first glance you read the title of this poem as "Lol! Newborn Jesus."

I'm not a great fan of the Victorian poets, but I make an exception for Arthur Hugh Clough and Christina Rossetti. Thanks!

[rebecca]

It's a sign you've been online for too many years when at first glance you read the title of this poem as "Lol! Newborn Jesus."

I suppose the best response to that is LOL! And maybe a :).

[violet]

Lovely!

And a Merry Christmas to you and yours, Rebecca.