1. Word Supreme, before creation
Born of God eternally,
Who didst will for our salvation
To be born on earth and die,
Well Thy saints have kept their station,
Watching till Thine hour drew nigh.
2. Now 'tis come. and faith espies Thee;
Like an eaglet in the morn
One in steadfast worship eyes Thee,
Thy beloved, Thy latest born.
In Thy glory he descries Thee
Reigning from the Tree of scorn.
3. Much he asked in loving wonder,
On Thy bosom leaning, Lord.
In the secret place of thunder
Answer kind didst Thou accord,
Wisdom for Thy Church to ponder
Till the day of dread award.
4. Lo, heaven's doors lift up, revealing
How thy judgments earthward move;
Scrolls unfolded, trumpets pealing,
Wine-cups from the wrath above;
Yet o'er all a soft voice stealing,
"Little children, trust and love."
5. Thee, the almighty King eternal,
Father of the eternal Word,
Thee, the Father's Word supernal,
Thee, of both the Breath adored,
Heaven and earth and realms infernal
Own one glorious God and Lord. Amen.
Hymn #271 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_
Text: John 21:20
Author: John Keble, 1856, cento
Tune: "Sieh, hier bin ich"
1st Published in: _Geistrieches Gesangbuch_
Town: Darmstadt, 1698