Category: Poems

Baptised into being, the Lord of creation – hymn inspired by Matthew 3:13-17)

Baptised into being, the Lord of creation (Matthew 3:13-17)

1	Baptised into being, the Lord of creation:
	the dove is descending the Spirit has come, 
	it soars and it swoops on the face of the waters, 
	Christ blessed in that moment, his mission begun.
	
2	Here John the Baptiser will pass on the baton, 
	though harsh and prophetic, his message, refined,
	will gain a new purpose, as Jesus will challenge:
	the powers and authorities now undermined.
	
3	But that will come later, for now for the honing 
	of all his integrity, knowledge and skill, 
	the Christ is cast out to the wilds of the desert, 
	where animals forage and hunger can kill.
	
4	And on his return he will live as God with us, 
	humanity clothed with both loving and grace, 
	to temper all justice with mercy, compassion, 
	a model of life for the whole human race.
	
5	And when will we walk in the steps of this master? 
	And when will we emulate what we see there:
	inclusive and limitless love for creation 
	where all is of value and all deserve care?

Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2011 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd
Metre: 12 11 12 11
Tunes: ST CATHERINE’S COURT

As we spin on through boundless space – a New hymn for the New Year

As we spin on through boundless space – a New hymn for the New Year

As we spin on through boundless space     
and mark the seasons passing, 
we trust again the Cov’nant grace,
the love that's everlasting.

We carry grief across the years, 
some memories are fading,
while others sharp as broken glass
leave scars beyond evading.

And time will test the strength of loss,
a tensile strand still holds us, 
as love of family, friends and God
are strong, and still enfold us.

So  nothing now that breaks our peace
can once deflect time's arrow, 
that joins us by the grace of God
through every new tomorrow.

Andrew Pratt 21/12/2025
Words © 2025 © Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd.

Metre: 8.7.8.7
Tune: DOMINUS REGIT ME

Holy Innocents’ Sunday – 28th December – A hymn of lament

Holy Innocents’ Sunday – 28th December – A  hymn of lament recollecting Herod’s intention to kill all the young children to rid himself of his perception that Jesus, ‘King of the Jews’ was a threat to his rule.

1	The Prince of Peace has come to earth, 
	we celebrate Messiah’s birth,
	and yet the news is hung with fears,
	and all the world is wrung with tears.
	How long, O Lord, must children cry?
	How long, O Lord, must children die?

2	In Ramah voices once had wept, 
	in quiet children died, not slept,
	and Rachel wandered comfortless 
	consumed by death and deep distress.
	How long, O Lord, must children cry?
	How long, O Lord, must children die?

3	And in a later time a place, 
	a squalid stable formed the space 
	in which a little boy was born 
	that all the powers of earth would scorn.
	How long, O Lord, must children cry?
	How long, O Lord, must children die?

4	The Prince of Peace has come to earth, 
	we celebrate Messiah’s birth,
	and yet we slaughter once again, 
	will death and carnage still remain.
	How long, O Lord, must children cry?
	How long, O Lord, must children die?

Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2014 © Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd.
Metre: 8 8 8 8 8 8 
Tune: MOZART


A hymn for the reality of Jesus’ birth –  Christmas Day

1         Bloodied baby, cradled gently
           at a manger birth.
           Bloodied saviour, injured, dying,
           taking leave of earth.
           Love incarnate demonstrating
           all the depth of human worth.

2         In each death a resurrection
           hidden yet from sight;
           in our life’s humiliation,
           healing, softened light.
           Hope has risen, death no prison,
           love has banished endless night.

3         Slightest light then burning glory
           sets the earth ablaze,
           morning light of love’s own story,
           kindles all our praise;
           in the garden, quietly waking,
           see the Lord of years and days.

Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2015 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd
Metre: 8 5 8 5 8 7 Tune: ANGEL VOICES

A hymn for Christmas Day - Bloodied baby, cradled gently at a manger birth

1 	Bloodied baby, cradled gently
	at a manger birth.
	Bloodied saviour, injured, dying,
	taking leave of earth.
	Love incarnate demonstrating
	all the depth of human worth.

2 	In each death a resurrection
	hidden yet from sight;
	in our life’s humiliation,
	healing, softened light.
	Hope has risen, death no prison,
	love has banished endless night.

3 	Slightest light then burning glory
	sets the earth ablaze,
	morning light of love’s own story,
	kindles all our praise;
	in the garden, quietly waking,
	see the Lord of years and days.

Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2015 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd
Metre: 8 5 8 5 8 7
Tune: ANGEL VOICES