Stable Song

Here in this place of darkness

The Hope of the World is born

And the night is a shrouding silence

From all man’s grandeur shorn.

Here in this place of darkness

Only a man and a girl

The beasts for a poor man’s living

And the glorious Light of the World.

Here in this place of darkness

While the clattering town grows still

Comes the Desire of Nations,

And only the angels thrill.

Here in this place of darkness

Wrapped in the cloak of night

The King of all Kings is swaddled,

Safe from the mad king’s sight.

Here in this place of darkness

Love has come down to earth

To bear our sin and sorrow,

Subject to human birth.

Here in this place of darkness

Where all earth’s powers grow blind;

Here he is born to heal us,

Saviour of all mankind.

Here in this place of darkness,

Ordinary stable place;

Here lies all heaven’s glory,

Here lies all heaven’s grace.