Almighty Framer of the Skies! <br />O let our pure devotion rise, <br />Like Incense in thy Sight! <br />Wrapt in impenetrable Shade <br />The Texture of our Souls were made <br />Till thy Command gave light. <br />The Sun of Glory gleam'd the Ray, <br />Refin'd the Darkness into Day, <br />And bid the Vapours fly; <br />Impell'd by his eternal Love <br />He left his Palaces above <br />To cheer our gloomy Sky. <br /> <br />How shall we celebrate the day, <br />When God appeared in mortal clay, <br />The mark of worldly scorn; <br />When the Archangel's heavenly Lays, <br />Attempted the Redeemer's Praise <br />And hail'd Salvation's Morn! <br /> <br /> <br />A Humble Form the Godhead wore, <br />The Pains of Poverty he bore, <br />To gaudy Pomp unknown; <br />Tho' in a human walk he trod <br />Still was the Man Almighty God <br />In Glory all his own. <br /> <br />Despis'd, oppress'd, the Godhead bears <br />The Torments of this Vale of tears; <br />Nor bade his Vengeance rise; <br />He saw the Creatures he had made, <br />Revile his Power, his Peace invade; <br />He saw with Mercy's Eyes. <br /> <br />How shall we celebrate his Name, <br />Who groan'd beneath a Life of shame <br />In all Afflictions tried! <br />The Soul is raptured to concieve <br />A Truth, which Being must believe, <br />The God Eternal died. <br /> <br />My Soul exert thy Powers, adore, <br />Upon Devotion's plumage sar <br />To celebrate the Day; <br />The God from whom Creation sprung <br />Shall animate my grateful Tongue; <br />From him I'll catch the Lay!<br /><br />Thomas Chatterton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-hymn-for-christmas-day/
