How, Before All Time Began

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will..."  (Ephesians 1:3-5)  
Text written in 2005 to the tune ANGELUS AD VIRGINEM.

1.
How, before all time began,

Before the world’s creation,

Could the Lord conceive His plan

Of mercy and salvation?

Yet, from that high and timeless place,

God chose to save our death-bound race:

Emmanuel—as prophets tell the story

In Scripture as we know,

Would veil in flesh His glory                        

And dwell with us below!

2.    

To the darkness of our night

And to our need attending,

Came the Word as Light of Light

Beyond our comprehending—

Radiant within the virgin’s womb;

Dawning as day upon our gloom.

Hail, Jacob’s Star!  For all You are now shining

Your beam of grace on earth,

Your royal might confining

Within such humble birth.

3.    

As the presence of a king

Brings honor to a city,

Bethlehem, be glad and sing                               

Your Sov’reign’s tender pity;

Join all the angels who rejoice;

Let ev’ry creature raise its voice—               

Sing “Glory be to God!” For He is solely

The God who comes to save

And to our world unholy,

The Prince of Peace He gave.

4.    

Tarshish lords from distant shore,

Come pay your tribute to Him;

Kings of Sheba, kneel before

The One with worship due Him.

Rise up, O nations!  See!  Your Lord!   

Long may He live and be adored!        

Oh may His fame and holy Name, transcending

Each name upon this sphere,   
Be sung with praise unending

For love so pure and near!