The darkness turns to dawn, the dayspring shines from heaven, for unto us a child is born, to us a son is given. The Son of God most high, before all else began, a virgin's son behold him lie, the new-born Son of Man. God's Word of truth and grace made flesh with us to dwell; the brightness of the Father's face, the child Emmanuel. How rich his heavenly home! How poor his human birth! As mortal man he stoops to come, the light and life of earth. A servant's form, a slave, the Lord consents to share; our sin and shame, our cross and grave, he bows himself to bear; Obedient and alone upon that cross to die, and then to share the Father's throne in majesty on high. And still God sheds abroad that love so strong to send a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, whose reign shall never end.