107. Forsake the World With Its Vain Show

1. Forsake the world with its vain show;
And from it wholly turning,
Invite the Prince of Peace e’er now
With deep and earnest yearning!
O come and truly child-like be,
In true, sincere humility,
Seek Him who first hath loved thee!

2. Our poverty He came to share,
The Author of all blessing;
He slumbered in a manger bare,
Though endless gifts possessing.
Lo, He who is our Highest Good
Thus clothed Himself with flesh and blood
In order to redeem us.

3. He came in humble servant guise,
His love to men addressing;
And from His kind and gentle eyes
Streamed comfort, peace, and blessing.
He did not come to judge our race
But to reveal the Father’s face,
Love, truth, and grace expressing.

4. His star makes bright the darkest night,
To none is He a stranger;
He keeps each one of us in sight
And gladly saves from danger.
He seeks the lamb who went astray,
And died to take our sins away,
The guilt of all men bearing.

5. O now, in deep repentance feel,
Of Him thou hast been needful;
Confess thy sin; do not conceal
Thine anguish, He is heedful.
His love is pure as dew of heaven,
And he to whom His joy is given
Is truly blessed and happy.

6. Be never from His threshold led,
For He is thy Creator!
Devoutly long for His true bread
And for His living water;
In heartfelt faith look heavenward,
And come contritely to thy Lord;
His arms for thee are open!

7. And if on life’s wild, stormy sea
Thy bark may toss and quiver,
Thine Anchor, Guard and Shield is He
Whose love abides forever!
In night and grief, thy Light is He,
In conflict, sword and victory,
And He will not forsake thee.