The Christ-child comes in lowly grace
Hymn for St Stephen, First Martyr (CM)
1. The Christ‑child comes in lowly grace, God’s Word in flesh revealed; And Stephen, first in martyr’s place, Bears witness unconcealed. 2. The light that shone in Bethlehem Now crowns him from above; He sees the Lord who once was hemmed In manger‑cradled love. 3. He speaks your truth though stones descend, Unmoved by fear or shame; And prays his killers find a Friend In Christ’s redeeming name. 4. O Child of peace, O risen Lord, Whose mercy does not cease, Make us, like him, with one accord, Your heralds of your peace. 5. So may your birth and passion blend To shape our life anew; Till we, with Stephen at the end, Stand steadfast, brave, and true.
Hymn information
First line: The Christ-child comes in lowly grace
Text: Michael McFarland Campbell
Metre: CM
Tune: St Stephen
Theme: St Stephen, Christmas
Reflection
Lately I’ve been trying to write some hymns. It turns out that finding the right words for what the heart already knows is its own kind of prayer. Some days the lines arrive like old friends; other days they hide behind the kettle, waiting for me to stop trying so hard.
Still, there’s something hopeful in the attempt. A hymn begins long before it’s sung—somewhere in the quiet, in the listening, in the stubborn belief that grace can be shaped into melody. So I keep at it, one imperfect line at a time, trusting that eventually the tune will catch hold.
Copyright
© Michael McFarland Campbell. 2025.
Permission granted for local church or parish use with attribution. Not for commercial reproduction.
This hymn is published in The Mindful Year: Hymns for Christmastide.
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