All My Heart This Night Rejoices - The Hymns and Carols of Christmas

The light and strength of Faith, oh grant,
That I may bring forth holy fruit,
A living branch, a blooming plant,
Fast clinking to my vine — my root:
Thou art my Saviour, whom I trust,
My Rock, — I build not on the dust, —
The ground of faith, eternal, sure.
When hours of doubt o'er cloud my mind,
Thy ready help then let me find,
Thy strength my sickening spirit cure!
And grant that Hope may never fail,
But anchor'd safely on Thy cross,
Through Thee who art mine All, prevail
O'er every anguish, dread, and loss.
The world may build on what decays,
O Christ, my Sun of Hope, my gaze
Cares not o'er lesser lights to range;
To Thee in love I ever cleave,
For well I know Thou ne'er wilt leave
My soul, — Thy love can never change.
Wouldst Thou that I should tarry here,
I live because Thou willest it;
Or Death should suddenly appear.
I shall not fear him, Lord, one whit,
If but Thy life still in me live,
If but Thy death me strength shall give,
When earthly life draws near its end;
To Thee I give away my will,
In life and death remembering still
Thou wilt my good, O truest Friend.
Page 55 of 83
The Christmas Poems of Catherine Winkworth