Christmas, Then and Always

Past and future join together this night,
Forgotten, forgiven, by Love's pure light,
Bowing before this loved, unknown stranger,
Wrapped now in cloth, asleep in the manger.

A promise fulfilled, for all who feel lost,
Sin’s firm grip will be unbound by the cross.
God's beloved Son, begotten before time,
Now in the flesh sharing glory divine.

This child is here now, born in the present,
In all who seek him, looking to heaven.
With shepherds and magi, here somehow,  
Joining with angels and all who bow down.

For nothing else matters on this blessed day,
Than the babe born for us, then and always,
So mild and meek, yet with love burning wild,
The Word become flesh, God's loveliest child.