O Father, Thou Who hast created all In wisest love, we pray, Look on this babe, who at Thy gracious call Is entering on life’s way; Bend o’er him in Thy tenderness, Thine image on his soul impress; O Father, hear! O Son of God, who diedst for us, behold, We bring our child to Thee; Thou tender Shepherd, take him to Thy fold, Thine own for aye to be; Defend him through this earthly strife, And lead him on the path of life, O Son of God! O Holy Ghost, who broodest o’er the wave, Descend upon this child; Give him undying life, his spirit lave With waters undefiled; Grant him, while yet a babe, to be A child of God, a home for Thee, O Holy Ghost! O Triune God, what Thou command’st is done; We speak, but Thine the might; This child hath scarce yet seen our earthly sun, Yet pour on him Thy light, In faith and hope, in joy and love, Thou Sun of all below, above, O Triune God! |