Before The Creation, The Word was with God

This hymn/song may seem familiar to some, even as it is read for the first time. It is, of course, based on the amazing introduction to John's Gospel (also known in many churches as 'The Christmas Gospel' - John 1. 1-14). Familiarity can be further reinforced by singing it to the tune 'To God Be the Glory' which seems to particularly suit the majesty of John's deep theological thinking. But hopefully, this song might make that passage just a tiny bit more 'digestible'. Personally, each time I re-read the words of the song, I like to wrestle a bit with the implications of 'In the Beginning' and 'Before the Creation' - but then, if you've read other poems and offerings on this site, you won't be surprised by that!

Before the creation, The Word was with God.

Before the creation, The Word was with God,

It knew God, it was God, together they trod;

He fashioned a Cosmos, He created light,
And here on this planet, he shaped human life

Light of love, light of life, which the darkness abhors,

Light of love, light of life, ‘tis the light of the Lord

The light which John heralds, the true light of all,

The light of the Godhead which never can pall.

John came as a witness, that all might believe

And turn from their evil, their God to receive;

Though we in our folly, our maker ignore,

Salvation is ours if we kneel and adore

Light of love, light of life, which the darkness abhors,

Light of love, light of life, ‘tis the light of the Lord

So come to the stable, this child is The Word,

Adore Him! Adore Him, The Saviour, our Lord.

And the story, in its more familiar form is told in the new carol At Bethlehem in Borrowed Cattle Stall which can be sung to that lovely french tune 'Plaisir D'Amour' with a chorus in fanfare form 'For He's Wonderful, Counsellor...'

I hope you enjoy singing both as much as I have enjoyed writing them!
AND there is further Christmas material on this blog which can be found at a special Advent and Christmas Index which you will find HERE