Poems (Kimball)/"Ended the Vigil of Ages"

by Harriet McEwen Kimball

"ENDED THE VIGIL OF AGES."

ENDED the vigil of ages,
 Ended the Prophets' line;
Forth from the womb of the Virgin
 Cometh the Babe Divine.

Out of the highest Heaven
 Down to the wondering earth
Choirs of angels descending
 Carol the Christ-Child's birth.

One with the Father Eternal
 Human the Name that He bears;
Godhead and Manhood united
 Veiled in the Flesh that He wears.

This is the King Immortal
 Nation by nation shah seek
Never a child so majestic,
 Never a prince so meek.

Clad in Humility's vesture,
 Peace as His sceptre of might,
Monarchs approaching His presence
 Prostrate shall fall at the sight.

Innocence wears He as ermine,
 Poverty maketh His crown,
Love is the throne of His glory,
 Mercy His matchless renown.

Homeless and laid in a manger,
 Seeming earth's pity to crave,
Ruleth He still creation,
 Helpless, is mighty to save.

Blessed henceforth are the lowly
 Who of His lowliness learn;
Blessed who showeth His mercy,
 Reaping His mercy in turn.

Blessed henceforth who forsaketh
 Kindred and lands for His sake,
Counting no burden too grievous
 Jesus may call him to take.

Even a cup of cold water
 Unto His little ones given
He shall return to the giver
 Filled from the fountains of Heaven.

Blessed the least in His Kingdom
 More than the Prophets of old
Who in the Babe of the manger
 Saviour, Jehovah behold.

Fall at His feet, ye faithful,
 Worship the King of Kings!
Angels unnumbered adore Him
 Folding around you their wings,

Sweeter and sweeter their carols
 Swelling with rapture arise;
Join in the joyful hosannas
 Circling the earth and the skies!