Here is the centre: star on distant star shining unheeded in the depths of space, worlds without number, all the worlds there are, turn in their travelling to this holy place. Here in a stable and an ox's stall laid in a manger lies the Lord of all. Now is the moment: God in flesh appears, down from the splendours of his throne sublime, High King of Ages, Lord of all the years, God everlasting stoops to space and time. All that was promised now is brought to birth, Jesus our Saviour come at last to earth. Son of the Father, God's eternal Word, emptied of glory, born to cross and grave; ours is the secret ancient prophets heard, God in our likeness come to seek and save: Christ in his passion, bearer of our sins; and, from his rising, risen life begins. Come then rejoicing! Praise be all our songs! Love lies among us in the stable bare, light in our darkness, righting of all wrongs, hope for the future, joy enough to share. Peace to our hearts for God is on the throne! Christ our Redeemer comes to claim his own.