Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Measure

Today's song may be unfamiliar and certainly doesn't fit into the classic repertoire of Christmas carols, but it is one of my favorite hymns nonetheless. The lyrics tell of how Jesus set aside all his heavenly wealth and glory to become a poor man - all for the sake of love.

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,

all for love’s sake becamest poor;

thrones for a manger didst surrender,

sapphire pave courts for stable floor.

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor, 

all for love’s sake becamest poor.

Thou who art God beyond all praising,

all for love’s sake becamest man;

stooping so low, but sinners raising,

heav’nward by thine eternal plan.

Thou who art God beyond all praising,

all for love’s sake becamest man.

Thou who art love beyond all telling,

Savior and King, we worship thee.

Emmanuel, within us dwelling,

make us what thou wouldst have us be.

Thou who art love beyond all telling,

Savior and King, we worship thee.

Frank Houghton, 1894 - 1972