Why, Cruel Herod, Dost Thou Fear? (Husenbeth)

Why

cru­el He­rod

dost thou fear

Lest our great God and king ap­pear?

He who can heav’n­ly crowns be­stow

Comes not to seize thy throne be­low.

The wise men fol­lowed that bright star

Which shone to them in realms afar;

While light it­self by light they seek

Their gifts

their faith and love be­speak.

The heav’n­ly Lamb the wa­ters lave

He sanc­ti­fies the crys­tal wave;

And He

whom sin could nev­er stain

Bids none up­on our souls re­main.

Behold a new dis­play of might

The pal­lid waters red­den bright;

The man­date for the change once heard

Wine flows obe­di­ent at the word.

Jesus

to Gen­tile kings dis­played

Glory to Thee and praise be paid

With Fa­ther and with Ho­ly Ghost

Enthroned above the heav’n­ly host.