Luke 2:34

• [Luk 2:34] O Zion Open Wide Thy Gates

  O Zion, open wide thy gates, Let figures disappear; A Priest and Victim, both in One, The Truth Himself, is here. No more the simple flock shall bleed; Behold, the Father’s Son Himself to His own altar comes For sinners to atone. Conscious of hidden deity, The lowly virgin brings Her newborn Babe, with two young doves, Her humble offerings. The agèd Simeon sees at last His Lord, so long desired, And Anna welcomes Israel’s hope, With holy rapture fired. But silent knelt the mother blest Of the yet silent Word, And pondering all things in her heart, With speechless praise adored. All glory to the Father be, All glory to the Son, All glory, Holy Ghost, to Thee, While endless ages run.

  Play

  source: Cyberhymnal

Luke 15:17

• [Luk 15:17] Afflictions, Though They Seem Severe

  Afflictions, though they seem severe; In mercy oft are sent; They stopped the prodigal’s career, And forced him to repent. Although he no relentings felt Till he had spent his store; His stubborn heart began to melt When famine pinched him sore. “What have I gained by sin, he said, But hunger, shame, and fear; My father’s house abounds with bread, While I am starving here. I’ll go, and tell him all I’ve done, And fall before his face Unworthy to be called his son, I’ll seek a servant’s place.” His father saw him coming back, He saw, and ran, and smiled; And threw his arms around the neck Of his rebellious child. “Father, I’ve sinned—but O forgive!” I’ve heard enough, he said, Rejoice my house, my son’s alive, For whom I mourned as dead. Now let the fatted calf be slain, And spread the news around; My son was dead, but lives again, Was lost, but now is found. ’Tis thus the Lord His love reveals, To call poor sinners home; More than a father’s love He feels, And welcomes all that come.

  Play

  source: Cyberhymnal