O Magnify the Lord

Original tune: It Came upon a Midnight Clear; Richard Storrs Willis, 1819-1900
Luke 1:46-55

O magnify the Lord with me, exalt his name on high.
Our king is born in Bethlehem; the virgin Mary's cry.
"Why me," my Lord a peasant girl, "would God's own glory fill?"
The mighty one has done great things to prove his sovereign will.

Come all and marvel at this gift, the son of God's own birth.
The world will hear the Savior cry, we know not of his worth.
Yet he will bear our sin for us, the child divine, he came.
And though rejected by us all we celebrate his name.

He scatters all the proud of heart and draws the humble near.
Fills all the wanting souls with good, mercy toward those who fear.
Look now to Christ who overcomes is born this day to men.
Fall down upon your knees, repent; forgiveness of our sin.

O magnify the Lord with me, exalt his name on high.
Our king is born in Bethlehem; the sinner's hope is nigh.
Rejoice and sing like Mary sang, unfailing love, his name.
and he is faithful to redeem and spread his sovereign fame.

The Thorns, the Nails, Hammer and Wood

Original tune: Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee (St. Agnes), John B. Dykes, 1823-1876

The thorns, the nails, hammer and wood;
familiar tools of mine,
My tongue, my hands and angry heart,
all party to the crime.

The taunts, the cheers and mocking crowd
demand his blood be spilled.
My evil drive be entertained,
My soul's dark thirst be filled.

All were in Adam when he sinned,
the nations soon dispersed.
Everyone born of flesh will die
because of sin's great curse.

Our only help and hope is this:
Jesus be crucified.
The thorns he wore, the nails and wood;
serve as my saving cry.

My shameful state was laid on Christ,
my violent crimes he bore.
For his great love became a curse;
though her was rich, made poor.

The thorns, the nails, hammer and wood;
God used for good to raise.
My tongue, my hands and contrite heart;
all for God's use and praise.