A Christmas Response

William Theron Yates

O God, we have sinned, been cast out of Thy Garden, and brought death to ourselves and our children.
Come, Son of Adam!

We have doubted thy promises.
Come, Son of Abraham!
We have disobeyed Thy commands and been in Captivity.
Come, Son of Moses!

We have desired Earthly kings to reign over us.
Come, Son of David!

We have loved darkness for our deeds are evil.
Come, Light of the World!

We have built our lives on shifting sand.
Come, Rock of Ages!

All we like sheep have gone astray.
Come, Good Shepherd!

We have gone after strange loves.
Come, Heavenly Bridegroom!

There is no good in us that we may fellowship with Thee.
Come, Emmanuel!

We have longed for a king to defeat our enemies.
Come, Babe of Bethlehem!

We have no power to rescue ourselves.
Come, Savior of the World!

We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Come, our Righteousness, our Peace, our Redeemer!

We listen for angels to say
Come to Bethlehem, Christ is born!

Ho, all ye who wait for the Messiah! He is come!
Glory to God in the Highest!
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come! Alleluia!

© 2003 by William Theron Yates. All rights reserved.