THE CHRISTIAN YEAR
THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST
Felix dies quem proprio.
O HAPPY day, when first was poured
The blood of our redeeming Lord!
O happy day, when first began
His sufferings for sinful man!
2 Just entered on this world of woe,
His blood already learned to flow;
His future death was thus expressed,
And thus his early love confessed.
3 From heaven descending to fulfil
The mandates of his Father's will,
E'en now behold the victim lie.
The Lamb of God, prepared to die!
4 Lord, circumcise our hearts, we pray.
Our fleshly natures purge away;
Thy name, thy likeness may they bear:
Yea, stamp thy holy image there!
5. O Lord, the virgin-born, to thee
Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen.
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