Forrest - "A Cradle Carol" (Val Mathenia, baritone)

SOLO "A Cradle Carol" (music by Dan Forrest, 2015)D
Val Mathenia, baritone; Dale Morehouse, piano
St. John's Methodist - Kansas City, MO
November 29, 2020
“A Cradle Carol” by Dan Forrest is a stunningly beautiful and longingly introspective solo that reminds us how those whose eyes have been opened now truly see the great paradox-the Savior of the world, God himself, born to the virgin as a “newborn babe helpless and small, and yet creator of us all“.
Lord Jesus, Savior, infant weak, and yet creator of us all.
Thou hast no beauty, form, or grace; no fortune, rank, or fame,
No place that men should see Thee and adore a babe so humble and so poor.
But to the soul whose eyes are healed, to whom the truth has been revealed,
The glory challenges the sun; Thou art a thousand joys in One.
Though strangers see a babe in straw, Thy children see the Lord of all
Who laid aside His rightful reign to take away our sin and shame.
This sacrifice of love divine, this condescension of mankind
With beauty robes Thy lowly frame, and sanctifies Thy simple name.
O aid my worship, mighty King, that I might with the angels sing,
“Glory to God on High!” Now crowned again beyond the sky!
O help me see Thee and adore this little child, my God and Lord.
(words by Rebekah Pringle)