To you was given, O saint beloved, A vision of Christ's glory Before he lived his earthly life Begun with Christmas story: The glory of the Son of God Before the world's creation, In whom all things that are were made And have their consummation. In you he found his closest friend, A friend though frail and mortal, Whose love so pure gave sight so sure It pierced beyond heaven's portal: So to the world you witness gave, With prophet's eye descrying The life of grace and fellowship, The life in God undying. O love of God that overflowed In glories of creation! O crowning glory of all life In wondrous Incarnation! All praise to God whose saint and seer Declared the love excelling Now shed abroad in faithful hearts, Abounding and indwelling.